FRESHMEN Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

freshmen

noun

plural of freshman

as in novices

a person who is just starting out in a field of activity our senator is just a freshman in Congress

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Recent Examples of freshmen Most of the time, being a twin has been indescribably wonderful for University of Miami soccer players Zoie and Kai Fontenot, freshmen from Long Beach, California, who just began their college careers together. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 To freshmen from then to now, whitewashing the rock(s) before the season has tended to create a sense of belonging and ownership. — Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Quarterback Malik Washington was the starter last year and showed a lot of ability, becoming one of only two Big Ten true freshmen since 1996 to throw for more than 2,500 yards and run for more than 300. — Noah Trister, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 In the next few weeks, hundreds of thousands of freshmen, many of them arriving without any family history of college at all, will decide whether to walk into a fraternity event or skip it. — Todd Buchanan, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 The senators cited a fall 2025 UC San Diego faculty work group paper that found about 1 in 12 incoming UCSD freshmen were testing below high school math standards, a share that the report said grew nearly thirtyfold since 2020. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 All of these freshmen might contribute meaningfully to Notre Dame’s success this season. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 These returning athletes could take roster spots or at least playing time away from freshmen and transfers. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026 And how much of a team’s ranking is based on program history versus the number of returning starters — or perhaps the impact of portal recruits and/or true freshmen? — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshmen

Noun

Since achieving widespread fame in 2013, Rettig has overseen gatherings that have introduced thousands of novices to toad smoking.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
An aurora photographer who spoke to National Geographic offered tips for novices trying to take photos of the phenomenon, including would-be photographers who only have access to a smartphone camera.

— Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of novices

Noun

Her plans include creating a ballroom, cultural and arts center where younger people can practice, newcomers can learn the history and elders can transfer their knowledge.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Even the newcomers to this season’s Bears quickly noticed a way of doing things that felt purposeful and full of zeal.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of newcomers

Noun

On sale for less than $100 right now, this Abu Garcia combo combines lightweight graphite with an intense grip to offer a rod and reel that works well for beginners and advanced casters alike.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
This pair is a smart choice for walk-to-run beginners who are looking for a budget-friendly shoe that withstands serious mileage.

— Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of beginners

Noun

Last season, Fears was one of the rare rookies who managed to play his best basketball during the latter stages of the year.

— Victor Wembanyama, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The best part of the fall is almost here, bringing in rookies, underdogs, defending Super Bowl champs and even a few furry teammates to the big screens.

— Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of rookies

Noun

Thomas is training director for Local 395’s apprenticeship program, which has 80 apprentices this year.

— Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026
Rolle emphasized that apprentices in MDC’s programs don’t have to pay for the costs of classes or equipment thanks to state and federal grants.

— Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of apprentices

Noun

If Bryce Underwood continues his poor play, will this calm down the big spending on incoming high school recruits?

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The union says Hialeah firefighters remain underpaid compared with firefighters in neighboring departments and has pointed to significant attrition among recruits.

— Veronica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of recruits

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“Freshmen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freshmen. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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noun

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