greenhorns

noun

plural of greenhorn
as in novices
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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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 greenhorns Flecks of mica and pyrite and who knows what, but only fools and greenhorns mistake it for gold. — John Archibald, Southern Living, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for greenhorns
  1. novices
  2. beginners
  3. newcomers
  4. apprentices
  5. rookies
  6. freshmen
Noun
  • By automating the cadence and gear changes, Honda is catering to novices who don't want to think about gear selection or power management on the trail.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The political novices were able to rally the nation behind a simple message against corruption and state capture.
    — Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of novices
Noun
  • 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
  • The Woobles Beginner Crochet Amigurumi Kits are fun for experienced stitchers and beginners alike, and make for thoughtful holiday gifts, too.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of beginners
Noun
  • Miller is a fanatic about slamming shut America’s doors to newcomers.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • 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
Definition of newcomers
Noun
  • 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
  • In addition to its own team of more than a dozen chefs and apprentices, Home Chef has also featured menu collaborations with celebrity chefs, including Giada De Laurentiis, Rachael Ray and Gordon Ramsay.
    — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of apprentices
Noun
  • Willis’ pass protection is suspect (his 24 sacks are tied for fifth-most in the NFL), his receivers, tight ends and running backs are all unproven, and his GM and coach are both rookies.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Stenberg has six goals and is tied for the scoring lead among NHL rookies.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of rookies
Noun
  • Izzo also hasn’t had as many freshmen who can create their own shot and score from anywhere on the floor like Jervis, a 6-foot-4 guard from New York.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The successor to Norton will represent the nation's capital in Congress without the same voting powers as his four fellow freshmen.
    — Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of freshmen

Browse Nearby Words

greenhorn
greenhorns
greenhouse
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Cite this Entry

“Greenhorns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greenhorns. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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