RECRUIT Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

recruit 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈkrüt

Definition of recruit

as in to hire

to provide with a paying job thousands of recent immigrants were recruited to build the nation's rail system

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

recruit

2 of 2

noun

as in apprentice

a person who is just starting out in a field of activity the skydiving instructor and other experienced jumpers tried to encourage the new recruits on their first jump

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 recruit

Verb

The three young soldiers had been going around the country recruiting others—brother officers and other ranks—to join the NSDAP and passing around party literature. — Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026 The investigation also found that men from 29 countries were recruited through deception or coercion to fight for Russian forces, in violation of international law. — Edith M. Lederer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Noun

In decades past, a say, four-star recruit might choose to commit to Nick Saban's Alabama, or Pete Carroll's USC, hoping to play for championships and reach the NFL. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026 McCray’s resurgence is especially meaningful, as the former top-10 recruit had tallied one sack in his first two and a half seasons, struggling to find a role along Florida’s line. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recruit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recruit

Verb

Jennifer Shuford, who had been Texas’s health commissioner, was part of a team hired to restore confidence in the agency.

— Dan Diamond, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Spoelstra and May became even closer when the Heat hired his son, Jack May, as a video room intern a few years ago.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of hire

Verb

The location is set to employ around 100 people and will feature a full-service dining room and bar, private dining room, carryout, delivery and catering service, a news release from Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria said.

— Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Much of that growth came from banks and other financial firms hiring AI talent, though the Bay Area still employs more AI specialists.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of employ

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

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

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

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

recrudescing

recruit

recruited

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Style

“Recruit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recruit. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of recruit

verb

noun

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