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 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 The Wildcats brought in eight transfers to go with their three returnees and three freshmen. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Instead of courtships, there was a steady churn of casual hookups among employees, where new female hires were treated like incoming freshmen, explains Zapcic. — Alessandra Schade, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026 Minnesota native Nolen Anderson, a 6-foot-8 forward, highlights a class of three scholarship players joining as true freshmen. — CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 On offense, new starting guard Ben Congdon leads UM freshmen in snaps with 300, followed by Mallory with 153, Mueller with 116, offensive lineman Jackson Cantwell with 84 and receiver Somourian Wingo with 83. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026 Like most true freshmen, Wayne saw sparse playing time at James Madison, appearing in eight games as a running back and seeing snaps on special teams. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshmen

Noun

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
To capture some of that essence, Guitar Center is trying to make its stores a place to hang out for novices and pros alike.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of novices

Noun

But rebooting continuity or creating all-new universes from scratch, while fine tactics for giving newcomers an on-ramp, have become routine.

— Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026
From inexpensive, simple (but brilliant) redesigns to the smartest new smart appliances, these are the newcomers that wowed us.

— Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of newcomers

Noun

Wood pulp papers are the thickest and most popular choice for beginners.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Ski Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the hardest mountains in North America, with only 10 percent of its terrain meant for beginners.

— Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of beginners

Noun

Considering the Jets have a roster that features comparable talent to the 2026 Dolphins, which had 15 rookies active for Sunday’s game.

— Omar Kelly October 25, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
The group is made up of 36 members including 28 veterans and eight rookies.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of rookies

Noun

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
For carpenters, delays and poor weather conditions can disrupt the working hours apprentices need to complete their program, causing some to quit.

— Itzel Franco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of apprentices

Noun

The report concludes that Russia violated the recruits’ fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, freedom, health, and to be treated humanely.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Never mind the rows of recruits at Saturday’s victory, and forget for a moment about the fans who are slowly finding their way back to the Rose Bowl for Bruins football games.

— Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of recruits

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“Freshmen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freshmen. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of freshmen

noun

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