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 Most high-level recruits aren’t going to enter as freshmen planning to stay in college for five years. — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 15 July 2026 Pitchford has mainly been used as a blocker in goal-line situations while Martin and Graham are true freshmen. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026 Fresh off the heels of graduation from high school, many rising freshmen are choosing to step off of the treadmill for a year before matriculating in college. — Dj Didonna, Time, 13 July 2026 For Dawkins, a veteran coach with nearly three decades of experience, freshmen remain a valuable part of the roster-building process. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026 Then there’s the sophomores who made memorable first impressions as freshmen. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 At the University of Georgia, freshmen may bring cars to campus, but parking availability is extremely limited, and permits are not guaranteed. — Chris Teague, AJC.com, 3 July 2026 What’s more, nine of the top 10 picks were freshmen. — Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2026 But before long, professors complained that incoming freshmen lacked even rudimentary math skills. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 22 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshmen

Noun

Haaland has become a social media phenomenon, with his own posts and memes from others turning even soccer novices into diehard fans.

— Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 13 July 2026
In 2026, the agency is again incentivizing participants with cash — there are separate categories for novices and professionals, each with their own prizes.

— Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Definition of novices

Noun

The difference between those projects and the 27 data centers that already exist or are being built in Miami-Dade (including three newcomers that have drawn controversy) is the size.

— Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
After all, the Jayhawks’ offensive line group has multiple newcomers and there will be growing pains with a young quarterback at the helm.

— Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026

Definition of newcomers

Noun

On the rocks below, instructors help complete beginners fasten their harnesses, chalk their hands and search for the next hold on the granite wall.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Who a Rucking Vest Is For Buyers range from beginners walking the neighborhood to elite athletes chasing competition standards.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of beginners

Noun

The other is unfilled and potentially could go to Keshad Johnson, Trevor Keels, Young or one of the Heat’s rookies, such as White.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Two rookies starting on the offensive line in Week 1 isn’t all that appealing, but with Fortner starting over Hecht (and/or Samac), in theory, Freeling could be a much more palatable option on the blind side on opening weekend.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026

Definition of rookies

Noun

According to accounts by Wright’s apprentices, after procrastinating on drawing any plans for nine months, Wright designed the house in two hours in September 1935 while the Kaufmanns were driving to his office to review them.

— Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026
According to Petrucci, 92% of construction apprentices in California are trained by a union.

— Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2026

Definition of apprentices

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“Freshmen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freshmen. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of freshmen

noun

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