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
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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
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The blind spots of breakthrough technologies Like most of his peers, Farley sees AI’s potential for everything from improving warranty processes to training novice technicians to repair complex engines.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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The novice user will rely on a single, default tool.—
Marco Argenti,
Time,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Showcase the messy beginner stage, on social media, to your close circles of friends — not just the end product.—
Sinéad O'Sullivan,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
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This form of exercise is suitable for all fitness levels, especially beginners.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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He and his apprentices host glass- blowing classes on Fridays and Saturdays (reservation required), when guests can make anything from a bowl to a tumbler to an ornament.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
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The house’s historical and architectural value comes from its original creators—husband and wife Sheng Pao Sheng and Shao Fang Sheng, both former apprentices of Wright.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Jovic, 22, has been eligible to sign a rookie-scale extension with the Heat since July 1.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
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Stout smiled and said he is challenged every week as a rookie, and the bigger the challenge, the better.—
Vic Tafur,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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And jazz-pop newcomer Laufey has made her mark by blending timeless sounds with Gen Z realities, building a strong audience of fans of her work and admirers of her musical ability.—
Maura Johnston,
Rolling Stone,
7 Oct. 2025
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Forward and newcomer Kurtis MacDermid remains on the roster.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Toney, a true freshman, leads the team with 22 catches and 268 yards with one touchdown catch.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
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Would Sanders be open to throwing the freshman into the fire on the road?—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Greenhorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greenhorn. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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