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
Relevance
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
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
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
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
Amy Nicholson, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 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
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
-
Now, the website has become essential for anyone who’s interested in, or serious about, chess—from novices to grandmasters.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Especially for opera novices, the Prelude Talks can be a great way to get oriented before the overture.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Experts suggest shorter sessions for beginners, while more experienced users can gradually extend sessions—sometimes up to 90 minutes.—
Brigitt Earley,
Glamour,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Located on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, this all-inclusive resort provides one-on-one surf coaching for all levels, from beginner to advanced, with six beaches to choose from.—
Essence,
Essence,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In 1975, Antonucci was a 16-year-old apprentice for Gacy’s construction company, PDM Contractors, in Des Plaines, Ill.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
-
The trailer shows Hemsworth’s Geralt assembling an army of adventurers to track down his former Witcher apprentice Ciri (Freya Allan).—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In a 117-116 win over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, the rookie guard from Baylor scored 34 points.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Collins is no doubt licking his chops studying tape of another Patriots rookie, left guard Jared Wilson, who allowed two sacks last weekend.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
French filmmaker Alexis Lloyd (30 Beats) takes the audience inside a therapy group in his new movie, Group – The Schopenheuer Project, about a newcomer who joins a group and shares his intention to write a TV series based on his experience.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Oct. 2025
-
By February, most of these newcomers are nowhere to be seen.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Broncos freshman goalkeeper Ava de Leest was also called into action a few times.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
24 Oct. 2025
-
That should mean the Horned Frogs should have plenty of chances to exploit the Mountaineers’ secondary, even if freshman wide receiver Ed Small isn’t available.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Greenhorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greenhorn. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share