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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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of freshmen Other college freshmen might be outside soaking up the nice weather on this sunny September day. — Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026 The College of Literature, Science and the Arts is the largest at the public university, with about 3,500 freshmen enrolled yearly, just less than half of the total class. — Dan Simmons, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 The other underclassmen Hurley was referring to in the top nine would presumably be sophomore star Braylon Mullins and freshmen Colben Landrew and Junior County, who are both expected to make immediate contributions. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026 Exactly 39 years after the debut of the iconic sitcom, a new sequel series hit Netflix on Thursday, blending a bunch of the beloved returning characters with a fresh class of freshmen. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026 Berrien’s defense, ranked 10th in Class 2A for points allowed per game, has five sophomores and two freshmen among its 12 leading tacklers. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026 In 2025, the University of California San Diego found that one in eight incoming freshmen at the school lacked necessary high school math skills. — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 2026 From there, look to a combination of sophomore Daylyn Upshaw, redshirt junior and Miami’s top three freshmen in Somourian Wingo, Milan Parris and Vance Spafford. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026 The senators, Roger Niello of Fair Oaks, Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh of Yucaipa and Steve Choi of Irvine, cited a UC San Diego faculty work group paper from last fall that found about 1 in 12 incoming freshmen tested below high school math standards. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshmen

Noun

The sizable number of offerings in every box can help bean novices get acquainted with new products and strengthen their bond with favorites.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Sep. 2026
Despite being an expert in her craft, Godshalk communicated the principles of floral design to her students in a way that was easy for novices to digest.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of novices

Noun

In addition to familiar faces from Season 1, he’ll be joined by series newcomers Tommy Lee Jones and Betty Gilpin, who respectively play his estranged father and a public defender who enters his orbit.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026
Many newcomers moved to Florida during the pandemic, with some seeking the state’s less restrictive COVID-19 policies and many registering as Republicans.

— Liv Coleman, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of newcomers

Noun

On ordinary days, the loop is a training ground for runners and cyclists, and an unusually forgiving place for beginners and families.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
Generally, racehorses aren’t suitable for young children or beginners, and owners must have the space and wherewithal to feed and care for them, which can cost thousands of dollars a year.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of beginners

Noun

Introducing Debut Patches to rookies and producing RPDA cards was a no-brainer.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Enter first-year head coach Jeff Hafley, play-caller Bobby Slowik, quarterback Malik Willis and a young receiver trio that includes rookies Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of rookies

Noun

Experienced workers are needed not only to fill jobs, but to mentor apprentices, supervise jobsite learning, and teach the next generation.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026
Eligible watchmaking students and apprentices may apply from Switzerland, France, Belgium, Germany and, as of this edition, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

— Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of apprentices

Noun

Around 72% of managers plan to boost pay for recruits with relevant AI skills, and 42% say that knowledge commands a greater surcharge than other technical skills.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Wilkerson was one of the dozens of recruits to take in the Horned Frogs’ top-10 showdown with the Cougars.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of recruits

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“Freshmen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freshmen. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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