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
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
Boston controlled the final period and finished the game with its three G Leaguers — rookies Amari Williams, Max Shulga and John Tonje — on the floor.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2026
Traoré finished February with 15 steals, leading Eastern Conference rookies and ranking third among all rookies.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
Rookies on assignment Magic rookies Jase Richardson and Noah Penda spent Friday night on assignment with Osceola, Orlando’s G League affiliate who faced the Cleveland Charge at Kia Center.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
Logue and fellow rookies Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus spent extensive time together at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
—Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 28 Feb. 2026
This year is especially big for a couple of Oscar rookies with their first nominations but who are favorites in their categories.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
Rookie Matt Savoie then converted a rebound late in a power play for his 10th career goal, but Beckett Sennecke answered 46 seconds later with a slick wrist shot for his 19th goal — tops among NHL rookies.
—Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026
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
Boston controlled the final period and finished the game with its three G Leaguers — rookies Amari Williams, Max Shulga and John Tonje — on the floor.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2026
Traoré finished February with 15 steals, leading Eastern Conference rookies and ranking third among all rookies.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
Rookies on assignment Magic rookies Jase Richardson and Noah Penda spent Friday night on assignment with Osceola, Orlando’s G League affiliate who faced the Cleveland Charge at Kia Center.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
Logue and fellow rookies Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus spent extensive time together at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
—Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 28 Feb. 2026
This year is especially big for a couple of Oscar rookies with their first nominations but who are favorites in their categories.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
Rookie Matt Savoie then converted a rebound late in a power play for his 10th career goal, but Beckett Sennecke answered 46 seconds later with a slick wrist shot for his 19th goal — tops among NHL rookies.
—Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 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
-
For beginners, there are four miles of novice trails and three miles of paved trail.—
Taylor Haught,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Group of beginners, hobbyists and professionals who enjoy taking and sharing photos.—
Staff Report,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
An incoming team of freshmen would reach and win state titles in 2021 as juniors and 2022 as seniors.—
Marvin Hurst,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
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Two freshmen, Johnie Hanley and Elina Martino led the team in scoring, and Bishop Moore returns six of its top seven goal scorers.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Other newcomers in the cast include Olivia Rose Keegan, Savannah Lee Nassif, Cameron Scott Roberts, Sydney Park, Gregg Wayans, Ruby Snowber, and Benny Zielke.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
2 Mar. 2026
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Pazos, Grom and Gracey questioned whether the hotel would raise security issues as a result of newcomers driving into the community, noting the presence of a preschool near the plaza.—
Megan Vaz,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In 1936, construction of the performance venue was financed by local geishas and their apprentices.—
Leandra Beabout,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Feb. 2026
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Inside, Takahiko and a crew of apprentices were scrubbing a small collection of French barrels.—
Alex Halberstadt,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rookies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rookies. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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