BEGINNER Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

beginner

noun

bi-ˈgi-nər

Definition of beginner

as in novice

a person who is just starting out in a field of activity although our son is only a beginner at swimming, he is making excellent progress

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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 beginner Shop astronomy products for beginners on Amazon Of course, the best viewing will be away from lights and with no clouds. — Cheryl McCloud, Florida Times-Union, 24 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 Classes run from September to November and range from beginner to advanced. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 For beginners, or those looking for low-maintenance growing, choosing bare-root, self-pollinating fruit trees is particularly beneficial. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beginner

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beginner

Noun

Since achieving widespread fame in 2013, Rettig has overseen gatherings that have introduced thousands of novices to toad smoking.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
What would have taken a novice lapsed coder like me hours of time struggling with physics models and code references was already in a functional, ready-to-test state with minimal effort.

— Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of novice

Noun

Her plans include creating a ballroom, cultural and arts center where younger people can practice, newcomers can learn the history and elders can transfer their knowledge.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Amin is partnered with newcomer Drew Brees, who is fresh off his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.

— Takashi Williams, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

Veteran Jamal Adams tore his quad in the team’s first preseason game, and undrafted rookie Jacob Thomas sprained his ankle in the final preseason game.

— Alec Lewis, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
The Ohio State Buckeyes led the way with 11 rookies from the 2026 Draft class on NFL rosters, followed by Texas A&M, which had 10 former Aggies make it to the league.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of rookie

Noun

After sitting behind Dillon Gabriel for a season, Moore displayed considerable progress in 2025 and played with more poise than when he was thrust into the starting role at UCLA as a true freshman in 2023.

— Antonio Morales, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
The majority of their starters spent the second half conversing with folks in the stands, pads long gone, while Jones took the field for his first snaps as a true freshman.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of freshman

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“Beginner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beginner. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of beginner

noun

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