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
  • The quick alignment will be a boon to the novice politician, who is simultaneously planning Lindsey Graham’s funeral, serving in his seat via appointment, and launching a snap campaign.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 20 July 2026
  • The buyers, Jung said, are not simply novice traders chasing online hype.
    — Lee Ying Shan,Blair Baek, CNBC, 20 July 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • For anyone easing in, resources such as Massachusetts General Hospital and EatingWell offer meal plans and beginner recipes.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • For anyone new to the plan, Massachusetts General Hospital and EatingWell publish sample meal plans and beginner recipes.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • The tedium of the task was how the apprentice became the master.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The sad thing was that within days of becoming an apprentice, he was packed off to hospital for a cartilage operation on a knee that, 10 years later, would bring a permanent end to his career.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • Wood was a training camp standout as a rookie, but veteran experience in the room just didn’t offer any path to the roster.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
  • Rakestraw is just two years removed from a stellar training camp as a rookie playing nickel.
    — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • Charlotte has a growing reputation as a food city, and there’s no shortage of great dining options for newcomers and visitors, along with people in the know.
    — Evan Moore July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
  • Some are centuries-old grande dames; others are boutique newcomers.
    — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • Woodring, an All-SEC honoree the past two seasons, has been the Bulldogs’ primary placekicker since the first game of his freshman season, when he was named a Lou Groza Award semifinalist.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • More than 20 students, many of them freshmen, darted around the lush grounds.
    — Avery Stone, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026
Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

green-eyed monster
greenhorn
greenhorns
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Cite this Entry

“Greenhorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greenhorn. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of greenhorn for Spanish Speakers

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