fledgling

noun

ˈflej-liŋ How to pronounce fledgling (audio)
Definition of fledglingnext
as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity at hockey he's still a fledgling and needs to work on his basic skating skills

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 fledgling In the 1925 novel, the appearance of fledglings symbolizes freedom, confinement and even spiritual rebirth, themes that follow lead characters Clarissa and Sally (whom Edebiri portrays) as the story unfolds. — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 Jacobs and Karl Marquardt, his partner in their fledgling label, Laughing Bee Music, are planning future releases, and a squad of volunteers has been putting Jacobs’ recordings online at the Internet Archive, a nonprofit digital library. — Kevin McKeough, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 While Levine Cava joined then-Commissioner Higgins in 2024 to block the Adrienne Arsht Center’s fledgling plan to erect a pair of digital billboards off Interstate 395, now Levine Cava endorses the signs. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026 In this week’s issue, Taub writes about living in such a fraught place, his encounters with jihadis, spies, con men, and fledgling reporters trying to prove themselves, and his brush with a possible abduction attempt. — Austin Elias-De Jesus, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fledgling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fledgling
  1. novice
  2. newcomer
  3. beginner
  4. apprentice
  5. freshman
  6. rookie
Noun
  • To capture some of that essence, Guitar Center is trying to make its stores a place to hang out for novices and pros alike.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In the latest, The Big Cats Dance Party, a high-profile case falls to a novice sleuth while the agency’s founder is away.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • About 95% of early voters also cast ballots in the 2024 presidential election, a reminder that the first wave is dominated by more regular voters and not newcomers.
    — Charles Minshew, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Still, California’s appeal to some newcomers hasn’t translated into stronger overall migration numbers.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • Classes range from beginner-friendly lessons, like learning how to use a machine, to teaching intermediate skills, like hemming pants or installing a zipper.
    — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Ski Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the hardest mountains in North America, with only 10 percent of its terrain meant for beginners.
    — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • As Lubelo takes his final bow to thunderous applause, his mom beams a proud smile at the 11-year-old apprentice magician.
    — Julie Bourdin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Wherever possible, leftover materials are reused or donated to local apprentice schools.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • The 5-foot-10, 185-pound redshirt freshman has been a key part of the Knights’ ground game, rushing for 162 yards on 32 carries and scoring two touchdowns.
    — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Oregon State is off to a 5-2 start, 3-0 in conference play, behind talented sophomore quarterback Braden Atkinson and Heisman Trophy hopeful freshman wide receiver Jesse Legree.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of freshman
Noun
  • McKee did find rookie Makai Lemon throughout the night and picked apart the secondary at times, but there is gradual improvement showing out of the unit.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
  • On the score, rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane had ideal coverage and the Chiefs brought eight on a blitz.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of rookie

Browse Nearby Words

fled
fledgling
fledglings
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Cite this Entry

“Fledgling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fledgling. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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