CALLOW Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

callow

adjective

ˈka-(ˌ)lō

Definition of callow

as in inexperienced

lacking in adult experience or maturity a story about a callow youth who learns the value of hard work and self-reliance

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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 callow As for the story, neither the Phantom nor the callow boyfriend struck me as proper suitors for Christine. — David Allen, Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026 Rohmer is still very young, to be sure, maybe somewhat callow, but these highly discerning insights into conflicting emotions and human psychology will end up appearing in all of his films. — André Aciman, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026 Its most melancholy scene of all involves Willy Loman, a traveling salesman who has given his unnamed company the best years of his now weary life, walking into the head office only to be humiliated by the callow young man who now runs his company and could not give a damn about him. — Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026 Johnson empathizes with callow Nets Brooklyn used a pair of rookies in the starting lineup (Nolan Traore and Egor Demin) and had two more in the bench rotation (Danny Wolf and Drake Powell). — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for callow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for callow

Adjective

These experienced and skilled athletes, who are often 22 or 23 years old, are appealing to coaches, especially when compared with inexperienced and physically less developed freshmen.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Hafley also cautioned against placing the sole blame on Willis, who started just the 11th game of his career and is leading a young offense with mostly inexperienced receivers who are still developing chemistry.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of inexperienced

Adjective

Edamame Edamame, or immature soybeans, is naturally rich in both protein and fiber.

— Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2026
The report, published in December 2024, cited multiple factors, including the fast fashion business model and immature textile recycling technologies.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of immature

Adjective

Changes in the adolescent brain make teenagers increasingly attentive to their social worlds, says Wayne State University psychology professor Hannah Schacter.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026
At present, the autonomous vehicle is an adolescent product in more ways than one.

— Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of adolescent

Adjective

In the film, Thị Mầu is a gifted young beauty hemmed in by rigid custom and the demands of her family.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
The Child Mind Institute notes that losing a close friendship can be emotionally painful for young people, and urges adults to take those experiences seriously rather than brushing them off.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of young

Browse Nearby Words

call out

callow

callowness

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“Callow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/callow. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of callow

adjective

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