ROOKIES Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

rookies

noun

plural of rookie

as in novices

a person who is just starting out in a field of activity although a star in his old sport of basketball, he was still just a rookie as far as baseball was concerned

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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 rookies Edge Josh Uche relayed something similar, explaining that Rodriguez remains the unwavered through it all, a rarity among rookies. — Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026 And his rookies, even the potentially franchise-altering kind, will wear embarrassing backpacks. — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 Head coach Andy Reid said during training camp that the young guys were going to have to contribute, and Johnson was among the rookies who rose to the occasion on opening night at Arrowhead Stadium. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026 Introducing Debut Patches to rookies and producing RPDA cards was a no-brainer. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 There were also six in both 2001 and 2015, but the changes in all four of those seasons also included benchings and rookies getting elevated. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 That would have to be Cincinnati’s unsung Sal Stewart, who even if nobody probably had him on their Rookie of the Year bingo card at the start of the season, happens to be leading all NL rookies in homers (32) and RBI (110) and has played every day. — Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rookies

Noun

The sizable number of offerings in every box can help bean novices get acquainted with new products and strengthen their bond with favorites.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Sep. 2026
Despite being an expert in her craft, Godshalk communicated the principles of floral design to her students in a way that was easy for novices to digest.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of novices

Noun

On ordinary days, the loop is a training ground for runners and cyclists, and an unusually forgiving place for beginners and families.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
Generally, racehorses aren’t suitable for young children or beginners, and owners must have the space and wherewithal to feed and care for them, which can cost thousands of dollars a year.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of beginners

Noun

In his short time as president, Peñalver has taken opportunities to interact with the student body, helping freshmen move into dorm rooms and riding the university shuttle.

— Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
As of 2024, tuition costs $32,000, while 25 percent of incoming freshmen are granted Hope Scholarships.

— Michael Saponara, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of freshmen

Noun

Fresno is emerging as an unexpected draw for younger residents priced out of coastal hubs, with affordable homes and jobs — but newcomers are pushing up rents and prices.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
So while remixing one’s own work of the past may be a cool curio for serious fans, collaboration among genre titans and newcomers could be the real key to getting rap back in the conversation and on the charts.

— Michael Saponara, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of newcomers

Noun

For carpenters, delays and poor weather conditions can disrupt the working hours apprentices need to complete their program, causing some to quit.

— Itzel Franco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
The new funding will allow the school to add 16 apprentices, for a total of 51 trainees.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of apprentices

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rookies

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“Rookies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rookies. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rookies

noun

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