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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Recent Examples of rookies
Dëmin ranks second among NBA rookies with 124 made 3-pointers, which is the second most by a rookie in Nets history.
—
C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
This week, one year ago, the Bengals failed to acquire starting-quality players on every level of the defense, instead making bets on struggling veterans, players making a leap or rookies.
—Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Yastrzemski isn’t expected, by any means, to carry the Braves’ offense among a lineup of former All-Stars, former rookies of the year and a former MVP.
—Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Sure, there is value to be mined in non-premium positions, but relying on rookies to plug a half-dozen holes — in an effort to build a championship roster — is preposterous.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2026
Manager Alex Cora has long protected younger and less-experienced players, including Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, Triston Casas, Devers, and 2025 rookies Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer, from lefty pitching.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2026
For one thing, Souza and Plawecki are, like Stammen, rookies in their roles.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Younger drivers rise Last season featured a breakout cast of rookies who now have a chance to take things to the next level.
—Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 4 Mar. 2026
In 2025, Dollander did all the things rookies often do at Coors Field.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2026
C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
This week, one year ago, the Bengals failed to acquire starting-quality players on every level of the defense, instead making bets on struggling veterans, players making a leap or rookies.
—Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Yastrzemski isn’t expected, by any means, to carry the Braves’ offense among a lineup of former All-Stars, former rookies of the year and a former MVP.
—Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Sure, there is value to be mined in non-premium positions, but relying on rookies to plug a half-dozen holes — in an effort to build a championship roster — is preposterous.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2026
Manager Alex Cora has long protected younger and less-experienced players, including Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, Triston Casas, Devers, and 2025 rookies Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer, from lefty pitching.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2026
For one thing, Souza and Plawecki are, like Stammen, rookies in their roles.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Younger drivers rise Last season featured a breakout cast of rookies who now have a chance to take things to the next level.
—Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 4 Mar. 2026
In 2025, Dollander did all the things rookies often do at Coors Field.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rookies
Noun
-
None of the skiers killed by the avalanche appear to have been novices.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
28 Feb. 2026
-
For seasoned cooks and kitchen novices, cookbook author and nutritionist Robin Miller takes it back to basics with great, family-friendly recipes worth making over and over again.—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This gives beginners a much more forgiving platform while still letting experienced riders crank into aggressive, sharp turns.—
Omar Kardoudi
March 11,
New Atlas,
11 Mar. 2026
-
For beginners and those who love history, the famed J-bar lift runs often — a fun little experience not to be missed.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Policies requiring freshmen to live in dorms or banning children from campus can make going to college as a parent incredibly difficult and, at times, impossible.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
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As freshmen, this group was 16-9, eliminated in the conference quarterfinals, and carried that sting ever since, winning 85 of the last 92, reaching the Final Four the last two seasons.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Now, the ball belongs to Tate, with varsity newcomers in junior Jenna Manfre and freshman Savannah Jones in the mix to help out.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
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Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing vie for reps with other newcomers.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Unlike college students, apprentices earn money from day one when completing classroom instruction, often taking classes at night or in short blocks throughout the year.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
2 Mar. 2026
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In 1936, construction of the performance venue was financed by local geishas and their apprentices.—
Leandra Beabout,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rookies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rookies. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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