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
-
This recipe is super easy to follow even for novice bakers.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Fast forward 55 years, and the event has grown into the world’s largest and most anticipated road race, drawing professionals and novices alike to push their limits — and test running shoe innovations along the way.—
Tonya Blazio-Licorish,
Footwear News,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Mountaineering expedition companies describe Mount Yalung Ri, located in eastern Nepal’s Rolwaling Valley, as a peak suitable for beginners with no previous experience or for those acclimatizing for higher summits of the Himalayas, which can tower above 8,000 meters.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
-
It’s considered suitable for beginners with no previous experience climbing high mountains.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Related Articles The fashion coffee table book‘s 406 pages take readers on a journey, starting at the time when Louis Vuitton left his hometown of Jura, France and ventured to Paris, becoming a trunk maker’s apprentice.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The Fire Cadet program, which is offered through the City of Milwaukee, is a two-year apprentice-style program for youth ages 17 to 19.—
Cathy Kozlowicz,
jsonline.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The former Colorado standout began his rookie NFL season as the third quarterback on the Browns' depth chart.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Or, will rookie receiver Matthew Golden become a bigger factor in Green Bay's offense?—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Trump endorsed Youngkin in his 2021 contest against Democrat Terry McAuliffe, but the Republican newcomer avoided appearing with the then-former president and steered clear of his MAGA agenda to appeal to independent and suburban voters.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Nov. 2025
-
To replenish its roster, Auburn added numerous newcomers through the portal and recruiting, including transfers such as Keyshawn Hall and Keshawn Murphy, as well as freshmen like Kaden Magwood.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The election night party was for the freshman Miami Congresswoman of Florida’s Congressional District 27 — a district with the largest share of Hispanic residents anywhere in the state — who danced her way past the treats, onto the makeshift stage to declare victory for a second term.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Xochitl Gomez has been cast in CBS‘s freshman police procedural Boston Blue in a recurring role.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Greenhorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greenhorn. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share