FRESHMAN Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

freshman

noun

ˈfresh-mən

Definition of freshman

as in novice

a person who is just starting out in a field of activity our senator is just a freshman in Congress

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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 freshman The Horned Frogs also added JUCO center Ryan Hunt and three-star freshman Sam Fleming to the roster. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026 Rory’s college was actually USC Ahead of season four, Crasco did some pre-Pinterest, pre-Instagram studying to plan out Rory’s freshman year at Yale University. — Mara Reinstein, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026 Luke Fahey, the true freshman who took over after Sayin went down in the fourth quarter of last week’s victory, will remain the Buckeyes’ starter moving forward. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Between questions with Stokes, Self turned to his prized freshman. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for freshman

Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshman

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

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

Noun

From inexpensive, simple (but brilliant) redesigns to the smartest new smart appliances, these are the newcomers that wowed us.

— Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
Political newcomer and Democrat Coumba Kebe is challenging incumbent Republican Treasurer Daniel Elliott for the state’s chief investment office that manages around $16 billion daily.

— Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 27 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

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freshly

freshman

freshmen

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“Freshman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freshman. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of freshman

noun

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