freshman

noun

ˈfresh-mən How to pronounce freshman (audio)
Definition of freshmannext
as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity our senator is just a freshman in Congress

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 freshman Thanks to seating charts, the two were constantly placed next to each other in all of their classes, beginning with freshman year at their Atlanta high school. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026 Krause said when Kirk died, Krause’s oldest son, a college freshman at the time, was devastated. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Sep. 2026 Boise State freshman kicker Dan Goodale fired the potential game-winning 39-yard field goal far right of the goalpost as time expired. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 31 Aug. 2026 The five-star freshman had just 15 yards in three catches, all three of which came at or behind the line of scrimmage. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for freshman
Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshman
  1. novice
  2. rookie
  3. newcomer
  4. beginner
  5. apprentice
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Yarn crafters of all skill levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced makers, the release said.
    — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is one of the best telescopes for beginner-to-intermediate stargazers who want to view deep-sky objects and appreciate assistance in manually locating the targets.
    — Paul Brett, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • Rolle emphasized that apprentices in MDC’s programs don’t have to pay for the costs of classes or equipment thanks to state and federal grants.
    — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • So far, the apprentice program is a small but growing portion of that number.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprentice

Browse Nearby Words

freshly
freshman
freshmen
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Freshman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freshman. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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