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
The inconsistent roster availability has led to up-and-down performances by the Magic even as different reserves such as rookies Noah Penda and Jase Richardson as well as third-year pros Anthony Black and Jett Howard have stepped up at times.
—
Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
These aren’t the young Rams of 2023, with 40 rookies in training camp and little idea of what to expect from the NFL.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
The only other rookies ahead of those yards from scrimmage are the Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty (1,321 yards) and Henderson (1,132).
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga and David Peterson remain under contract, as do promising rookies Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
The biggest change to college football brought on by NIL, according to Dolphins rookies, is that incoming freshmen sometimes feel entitled to receiving big bucks.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
The Patriots’ only edge rushers under contract next season are Harold Landry, Anfernee Jennings and rookies Bradyn Swinson and Elijah Ponder.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Therefore, McDaniel has to take some responsibility for this roster’s poor construction, and most importantly, slow talent development, which didn’t just start in 2025 with the struggles of this year’s rookies.
—Omar Kelly
november 7, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Even with 14 rookies on this year’s team, many of whom are playing significant roles?
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
These aren’t the young Rams of 2023, with 40 rookies in training camp and little idea of what to expect from the NFL.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
The only other rookies ahead of those yards from scrimmage are the Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty (1,321 yards) and Henderson (1,132).
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga and David Peterson remain under contract, as do promising rookies Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
The biggest change to college football brought on by NIL, according to Dolphins rookies, is that incoming freshmen sometimes feel entitled to receiving big bucks.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
The Patriots’ only edge rushers under contract next season are Harold Landry, Anfernee Jennings and rookies Bradyn Swinson and Elijah Ponder.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Therefore, McDaniel has to take some responsibility for this roster’s poor construction, and most importantly, slow talent development, which didn’t just start in 2025 with the struggles of this year’s rookies.
—Omar Kelly
november 7, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Even with 14 rookies on this year’s team, many of whom are playing significant roles?
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rookies
Noun
-
Most of the 31 playoff novices — accounting for roughly 58% of the 53-man roster — were along for the entire ride and played key roles in helping to get Carolina to the postseason.—
Mike Kaye
January 6,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Canon offers a wide range of DSLR cameras for novices and professionals alike.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
For beginners, a version using two light dumbbells is a good introduction.—
Gretchen Reynolds,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
There are even lessons for beginners who may want to start a new hobby over the winter.—
The Denver Post,
Denver Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The first 30 minutes had the disjointed, stop-start look of two freshmen quarterbacks facing off, struggling to find their respective rhythms early.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Touchdown Hurricanes Miami somehow orchestrated a 9-yard touchdown drive that heavily involved the team’s true freshmen.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Several Icons work alongside newcomers, assisting with citizenship applications and teaching music and language classes that preserve their community's cultural heritage.—
Sharon Chin,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The participants include many of the club’s top prospects, along with several newcomers who have joined the Red Sox organization this offseason.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And many of those apprentices — in skilled trades, electricians, laborers, carpenters — are already at work strengthening and building the physical foundations of our state.—
Sacramento Bee staff,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The apprentices shopped for and wrapped hundreds of presents for the students.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rookies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rookies. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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