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 Schumer helped elect the freshmen who have not committed to supporting him. — Theodoric Meyer The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026 One of the Guardians’ freshmen, Brooke Kestler, who ran well at the Wickham Invitational, hurt her ankle at the CCC championship and hadn’t raced since then. — Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 5 Nov. 2026 Rosters have been reshaped by the transfer portal, freshmen are playing their first real minutes, and lines are set more on projections than results. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026 Nine of the 15 players listed on the Lions' roster are freshmen. — CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026 It’s been present in glimpses throughout UCLA’s exhibition games against Cal Baptist and San Diego, but there’s a reality where two freshmen could be crucially impactful for the Bruins down the stretch of the season. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026 With three running backs down, TCU will lean on sophomore Jon Denman and potentially two true freshmen. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026 The Panthers, with three freshmen and two sophomores playing major roles, finished 22-4. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 Some of the freshmen, including offensive lineman Ben Congdon, defensive back JJ Dunnigan and running back Javian Mallory have become crucial contributors. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshmen

Noun

By automating the cadence and gear changes, Honda is catering to novices who don't want to think about gear selection or power management on the trail.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2026
The political novices were able to rally the nation behind a simple message against corruption and state capture.

— Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of novices

Noun

The hotel’s connections with local neighbors is also particularly impressive (no mean feat for newcomers in Kyoto) with The Shinmonzen’s friends ranging from local bento box makers who deliver by bicycle to generations-old antique shop owners.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
The newcomers leading the race for the other seats — Devon Graves and Oranit Limmaneeprasert — were both candidates endorsed by the Los Rios College Federation of Teachers.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of newcomers

Noun

Eighty percent of the skiers are local, says Linebaugh, and half the runs are expert level, while the other half are well suited for beginners, intermediate, and ski school.

— Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2026
The Woobles Beginner Crochet Amigurumi Kits are fun for experienced stitchers and beginners alike, and make for thoughtful holiday gifts, too.

— Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of beginners

Noun

Willis’ pass protection is suspect (his 24 sacks are tied for fifth-most in the NFL), his receivers, tight ends and running backs are all unproven, and his GM and coach are both rookies.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026
Stenberg has six goals and is tied for the scoring lead among NHL rookies.

— CBS News, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of rookies

Noun

In addition to its own team of more than a dozen chefs and apprentices, Home Chef has also featured menu collaborations with celebrity chefs, including Giada De Laurentiis, Rachael Ray and Gordon Ramsay.

— Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Built with the help of his apprentices, the complex was designed to blend into the surrounding Sonoran Desert, using local stone in a construction style known as desert masonry.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of apprentices

Noun

By July, morale among immigration officers had dipped below its nadir during the Biden Administration, with agents now complaining of being overextended, inundated with novice recruits, and undermined by inflammatory rhetoric from on high.

— Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Hazing involves requiring new or potential recruits to the military or college fraternities to perform strenuous, humiliating or dangerous tasks.

— Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of recruits

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

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