junior 1 of 2

adjective

ˈjün-yər How to pronounce junior (audio)
Definition of juniornext
as in smaller
having not so great importance or rank as another junior advisers to the governor

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

junior

2 of 2

noun

as in subordinate
one who is of lower rank and typically under the authority of another she's his junior in the company

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 junior
Adjective
The 3-on-3 gives the players, many of whom will return to the junior or college ranks, the chance to compete. — Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026 Conwell, 22, began his college career at South Florida before transferring to Indiana State for his sophomore season and Xavier for his junior season, and then closing his college career at Louisville. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Noun
Palestra, nine years Grimaldo’s junior, does not have as refined an offensive game, but provides a few different dimensions — including a more seamless fit into a back four. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 1 July 2026 The Royals may be as dangerous as ever with running back Jayshon Gibson, who scored 41 touchdowns as a junior and is arguably a top returner in Texas, in terms of production. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for junior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for junior
  1. less
  2. subordinate
  3. lesser
  4. minion
  5. lower
  6. assistant
  7. small
Adjective
  • Move bike lanes to side streets, preferably one-way streets, which have dramatically less traffic.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • In less science-y speak, this serum feels like a creamy gel moisturizer with the faintest citrus scent.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 4 July 2026
Definition of less
Noun
  • Mayor Dean Trantalis, Commissioner Steven Glassman and Commissioner John Herbst took issue with her leadership, accusing her of being dismissive to subordinates and ruffling too many feathers.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Put simply, the theory says the president should be able to issue orders to subordinates and to fire them at will.
    — Graham G. Dodds, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
Definition of subordinate
Adjective
  • Even lesser-scale incidents like the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal and the Volkswagen emissions scandal erode trust in the institutions that help make our society possible and push it forward.
    — Lindsey Witmer Collins, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points.
    — Staff Writer Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2023
Definition of lesser
Noun
  • Perhaps if this was any team other than the Yankees — where all of Hal Steinbrenner’s minions appear to have lifetime contracts — Aaron Boone’s status as manager would be coming under intense scrutiny about now.
    — Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026
  • The minions have appeared in six films since — three Despicable Me movies and, making the jump from sidekicks to stars, three Minions movies.
    — Taylor Swinton, Washington Post, 3 July 2026
Definition of minion
Adjective
  • And ultimately, the Supreme Court overruled those lower court rulings and did declare the embryos as children qualifying under the wrongful death statute.
    — Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2024
  • Lower gas demand amid increasing supply has led to lower pump prices.
    — Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 19 June 2023
Definition of lower
Noun
  • Bollo, the son of a domestic worker and a line cook, said he’s applied to work as a teaching assistant and graduate researcher, which would waive the cost of his tuition.
    — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • How — and to what extent — AI might reshape her profession remains to be seen, but jobs for administrative assistants and secretaries have been dwindling for decades.
    — Claire Savage, Fortune, 5 July 2026
Definition of assistant
Adjective
  • In contrast, instruments on the FireSat satellites will be able to detect small brush and roadside fires 16 feet across.
    — Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • At the Cannes Film Festival in May, the model Toni Garrn made a striking appearance in a blue-black bustier dress embroidered with small petals.
    — Amy Verner, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Definition of small

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jungles
junior
junior high school
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Cite this Entry

“Junior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/junior. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on junior

Nglish: Translation of junior for Spanish Speakers

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