RECRUIT Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

recruit 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈkrüt

Definition of recruit

as in to hire

to provide with a paying job thousands of recent immigrants were recruited to build the nation's rail system

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

recruit

2 of 2

noun

as in apprentice

a person who is just starting out in a field of activity the skydiving instructor and other experienced jumpers tried to encourage the new recruits on their first jump

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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 recruit

Verb

Like being recruited by coach Carol Eckman at West Chester (Pennsylvania) State, where Washington played on the inaugural women’s national championship team in 1969 — a tournament Eckman is credited with organizing. — Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026 According to prosecutors, the trio recruited Chinese nationals to enter the United States on B-1 and L-1 visas to work at the factory. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Noun

Some college boosters and coaches had long found ways to pay choice recruits or their families. — Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2026 Bradford and Taylor are true freshmen with Bradford being the gem of last year’s recruiting cycle as a four-star recruit TCU flipped from Oklahoma State. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recruit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recruit

Verb

Investigating technical allegations about the rail project requires hiring outside experts — and without AB 1608, Belnap says his office can't do that on its own.

— Julie Watts, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Valentine Nguele, Cameroon’s first female head coach, was hired just six weeks before the tournament.

— Emily Olsen, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of hire

Noun

During his first two years as a starter, Santori was the apprentice who carefully studied the game and developed organically under the influence of his older peers.

— Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Twenty years later, John (Pierre) is serving as an apprentice to an older, grouchier Hal.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of apprentice

Verb

One of its key functions has been for healing, often employing a complex knowledge of medicinal plants and in many cases providing the only medical services available within African American communities.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
For startups like Code Metal—which employs 123 people—the challenge now is turning one-off opportunities, like the new $80 million Pentagon deal, into repeatable, expandable business.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of employ

Noun

The epic eight-part Italian drama was widely acclaimed and streamed in the fall on Mubi, a relatively novice player in the episodic game.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
The music industry has been wrestling with the pros and cons of the new technology that allows musical novices to create professional-sounding songs in seconds.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of novice

Noun

In May, an 18-year-old freshman reported she was raped and strangled after meeting a man at a fraternity party before returning to her dorm at Tropicana Gardens in Isla Vista.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
But none of that kept Jones from keeping his commitment to Boise State, and his position coach here, first-year man Alvis Whitted, has been impressed by the young freshman.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of freshman

Noun

Dango Ouattara should retain his role on the right but newcomer Jaidon Anthony could pinch Kevin Schade’s place on the opposite side.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Amziah hands off the honey plant to Kateri as McConaughey, the Oscar-winning movie star, hands off the film to newcomer LookingGlass, in her very first movie role.

— Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

From Jordan Spieth trying to find his form, to rookie Jackson Koivun looking to continue a remarkable first season, to Scottie Scheffler chasing another Player of the Year honor, there is plenty to watch as the playoffs get underway.

— Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Pinch-runner Sung-Mun Song scored that winner with a deft headfirst slide, denying Sanchez’s tag attempt after a good (but high) throw from rookie right fielder Luis Lara one play after Lara denied Jackson Merrill’s a game-winning extra-base hit.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of rookie

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recrudescing

recruit

recruited

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Style

“Recruit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recruit. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of recruit

verb

noun

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