greenhorn

noun

ˈgrēn-ˌhȯrn How to pronounce greenhorn (audio)
Definition of greenhornnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 greenhorn The indestructible Gill, still strolling the fairways of the magazine, was more than welcoming to a greenhorn. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 The author came to Canada from England in 1923 as a 23-year-old greenhorn. — Anton Money, Outdoor Life, 15 Aug. 2024 Hence the herring, every greenhorn’s rite of passage on the Wizard. — Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 11 June 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for greenhorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for greenhorn
  1. novice
  2. beginner
  3. apprentice
  4. rookie
  5. newcomer
  6. freshman
Noun
  • Nun-novice and anti-gun violence activist Nanette, 35, has been carrying her mother’s secret for five years, not knowing whether one or both of her sisters had been entrusted with it too.
    — Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Since achieving widespread fame in 2013, Rettig has overseen gatherings that have introduced thousands of novices to toad smoking.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • And now, a beginner electronics kit has become one small part of a much larger local automation system.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026
  • On sale for less than $100 right now, this Abu Garcia combo combines lightweight graphite with an intense grip to offer a rod and reel that works well for beginners and advanced casters alike.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • Approaching retirement, Patrick searches with exacting standards for someone to fill his shoes, investing time in mentoring young apprentice Matteo.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
  • CEOs would be wise to reinvest some of the profit AI creates into apprentice-style roles that grow entry-level people fast.
    — Michael Chavira, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • The undrafted rookie from Iowa easily beat out veteran Jake Moody in training camp.
    — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The best part of the fall is almost here, bringing in rookies, underdogs, defending Super Bowl champs and even a few furry teammates to the big screens.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • There will also be high-profile newcomers on the small screen, though TV’s bigger focus will be on maximizing the impact of returning faves and minimizing the erosion of linear ratings.
    — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026
  • But newcomer Widow’s Bay, which garnered 19 noms, seems to have the late-breaking momentum.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • Newbauer attempted only one pass, as did freshman Bowe Bentley, a top-100 prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • In 2012, then-head coach Red Berenson announced the end of freshman hazing, according to news articles cited in the lawsuit.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

green-eyed monster
greenhorn
greenhorns
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Greenhorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greenhorn. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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