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
  • 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
  • Thomas was a novice attorney who had already run and lost as the Republican candidate for state attorney general.
    — Michael Kiefer, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • This is a great beginner-friendly telescope and comes with a couple of eyepieces to get new users on their skywatching journey.
    — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • 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
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • As part of the program, IBM will participate in a new City Colleges apprenticeship program to support 500 students to work at the innovation center over the next five years, hiring at least 180 apprentice alumni to reach its employment target.
    — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • In 2025, Google committed $10 million to the Electrical Training Alliance to help train more than 100,000 electricians and 30,000 new apprentices within five years.
    — Phillip Marangella, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • Heat rookie Ryan Conwell was the first guard used off the bench on Monday after beginning the season out of the rotation.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Judd Caulfield scored twice, rookie Roger McQueen added another and Leo Carlsson had three assists to help the Ducks win for the second time in nine games.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • Texas’ Democratic sweep has raised questions about whether California transplants helped turn the state blue, but experts doubt the newcomers drove the shift.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Some Democratic candidates had experience as mayors or state lawmakers, but many are political newcomers.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • Coleman’s 39-yard dash set up a 20-yard touchdown for freshman quarterback Isaiah Foster, who ran right and found room down the sideline.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Stokes displayed much of what NBA teams want to see from the freshman this season — improved decision-making, reliable shooting and consistent energy on both sides.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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