as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity
go easy on him—he's just a greenhorn and doesn't have all the experience you do
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of greenhorn
And if Major Kidd could give the kids a pep talk half as good as Rosie, these greenhorns might sleep a little easier.
—
Chris Klimek, Vulture, 1 Mar. 2024
Behind her, a greenhorn named Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) takes photos of Lee taking photos of the dead, and behind Jessie, of course, are Garland and his cinematographer Rob Hardy filming images of both women.
—Amy Nicholson, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
That's a pretty apt casting given that the three other members are greenhorns in terms of major titles.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
On the fishing boat, a greenhorn named Steve can’t stop going on about ripping off his own father of 40 grand, the cash still in his car, where he’s been living.
—Tod Goldberg, USA TODAY, 13 Oct. 2021
See All Example Sentences for greenhorn
Chris Klimek, Vulture, 1 Mar. 2024
Behind her, a greenhorn named Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) takes photos of Lee taking photos of the dead, and behind Jessie, of course, are Garland and his cinematographer Rob Hardy filming images of both women.
—Amy Nicholson, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
That's a pretty apt casting given that the three other members are greenhorns in terms of major titles.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
On the fishing boat, a greenhorn named Steve can’t stop going on about ripping off his own father of 40 grand, the cash still in his car, where he’s been living.
—Tod Goldberg, USA TODAY, 13 Oct. 2021
See All Example Sentences for greenhorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for greenhorn
Noun
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This makes these spots good for young anglers and novices as well as those with mobility challenges.—
Kaitlyn Keegan,
Hartford Courant,
10 July 2025
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Two pilots in uniform greeted us and put all of us novice fliers at ease, giving us a rundown about the safety measures between cracking jokes.—
Sabrina Weiss,
People.com,
24 June 2025
Noun
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This class is ideal for absolute beginners with no prior poker experience.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
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The good news for both beginner and advanced riders is that there are multiple choices across the 40-odd models on the market these days.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Deighton said the company plans to add more technicians and apprentices soon, adding that finding qualified people is challenging because U.K. universities are not teaching processes like laser design.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
25 June 2025
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Luna’s mother was British costume designer Fiona Alexander, who died when Luna was 2 years old, and his father was Mexican set designer Alejandro Luna, whom Luna shadowed as a child and, later, as an apprentice.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
11 June 2025
Noun
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Bustamante’s previous experience in Madrid helped shape her approach heading into the rookie test.—
Jenn Nelson,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Then, the rookie candidates turn around to see the veterans they're paired with standing behind them for the big reveal.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
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O'Reilly's acceptance of newcomers helped grow his city while other cities in the region with smaller immigrant communities saw a population decline during that decade.—
Niraj Warikoo,
Freep.com,
3 July 2025
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For regular attendees of this elevated, date-night-worthy soiree, there will be newcomer wares to sample.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 July 2025
Noun
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The Tigers played him as a wideout during his freshman season, then transitioned him to the slot ahead of his breakout season in 2023.—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
13 July 2025
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Charlie Cerrato attended Fallston High as a freshman.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Greenhorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greenhorn. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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