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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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 freshman Gutierrez has played on Lowell’s varsity baseball team since his freshman year and has been a starter since his sophomore season. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Miami also has freshman wide receivers — including four-star prospects Somourian Wingo, Milan Parris and Vance Spafford — who could get on the field soon. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026 Another freshman, Illinois’ Keaton Wagler, is the Sportsman of the Year. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 Two years back, Van Buren took over as Mississippi State’s starter in late September, meandering through a difficult 1-8 stretch with 11 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a lot of true-freshman lessons. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for freshman

Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshman

Noun

Professional and novice astronomers alike are getting excited about the partial lunar eclipse.

— Julia Gomez, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
But for a novice, relying on AI before mastering the fundamentals creates a technical debt that leads to a lack of depth.

— Jason Corso, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of novice

Noun

Two other newcomers, Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic, remain in the mix for the starting spot.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
The Dynamo completed a season sweep after beating the Whitecaps 1-0 at home in May on a goal by newcomer Guilherme Santos six minutes into second-half stoppage time.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

That level of integration not only simplifies the workflow for beginners but also creates a more efficient and consistent experience for professionals who regularly produce parts.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
Our group is so welcoming, and there are always more seasoned players willing to teach and play with beginners, like me.

— Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of beginner

Noun

The construction of the statue, completed in 1852, involved an enslaved apprentice.

— Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
During his first two years as a starter, Santori was the apprentice who carefully studied the game and developed organically under the influence of his older peers.

— Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of apprentice

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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 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of freshman

noun

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