TENDERFOOT Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

tenderfoot

noun

ˈten-dər-ˌfu̇t

Definition of tenderfoot

as in novice

a person who is just starting out in a field of activity skateboarders who are tenderfeet will inevitably fall as they learn their first moves

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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 tenderfoot Smit-McPhee plays a hapless Scottish tenderfoot who teams with Fassbender's conflicted bounty hunter to track down his true love in the American West. — and Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 21 June 2024 The tenderfoot Americans, with six rookies, eight guys yet to reach 30, and minimal scar tissue, won three of four foursomes in the morning to get to 9-3 and two of four fourball rounds in the afternoon to reach 11-5. — BostonGlobe.com, 25 Sep. 2021 Once upon a time, the members of a whitetail deer hunting club in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula invited a tenderfoot to their camp. — The Editors, Field & Stream, 11 Oct. 2020 But even a tenderfoot can easily corral yeast and put it to use, because yeast is everywhere. — Henry Fountain, New York Times, 7 May 2020 But like a tenderfoot scout who confidently builds a campfire only to end up burning down the forest, Kalanick’s loose management — of his staff and himself — paved the way for a cascade of embarrassing scandals by 2014. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenderfoot

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

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

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

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

tenderfeet

tenderfoot

tenderhearted

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Style

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

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Synonyms of tenderfoot

noun

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