Synonyms of old hand

old hand

noun

as in veteran

a person with long experience in a specified area

with 25 years on the job, Vinnie was the old hand everyone went to with their problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

• veteran
• vet
• warhorse
• master
• doyen
• old-timer
• past master
• professional
• expert
• stager
• pro
• dab hand
• guru
• doyenne
• hand
• adept
• maven

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• freshman
• newcomer
• novice
• fledgling
• recruit
• rookie
• beginner
• colt
• boot
• neophyte
• apprentice
• cub
• student
• amateur
• newbie
• tyro
• greenhorn
• trainee
• candidate
• novitiate
• tenderfoot
• learner
• dilettante
• entrant
• probationer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of old hand

Toussaint is an old hand in dealing with pets. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

The sensation of a 3-year-old hand in mine is the physical embodiment of living happily ever after. — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2026

On the television side, however, the winning series for excellence in period, sci-fi/fantasy, and contemporary costumes were all old hands. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 12 Feb. 2026

For Conan O’Brien, an old hand whose podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend is a big player in the field, witty banter and appropriately leading queries come naturally; O’Brien also has plenty of pals on, but has a knack for turning their back-and-forth into a deeper examination of their friendship. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026