freshmen

noun

plural of freshman
as in novices
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 freshmen Most of the time, being a twin has been indescribably wonderful for University of Miami soccer players Zoie and Kai Fontenot, freshmen from Long Beach, California, who just began their college careers together. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 To freshmen from then to now, whitewashing the rock(s) before the season has tended to create a sense of belonging and ownership. — Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Quarterback Malik Washington was the starter last year and showed a lot of ability, becoming one of only two Big Ten true freshmen since 1996 to throw for more than 2,500 yards and run for more than 300. — Noah Trister, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 In the next few weeks, hundreds of thousands of freshmen, many of them arriving without any family history of college at all, will decide whether to walk into a fraternity event or skip it. — Todd Buchanan, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 The senators cited a fall 2025 UC San Diego faculty work group paper that found about 1 in 12 incoming UCSD freshmen were testing below high school math standards, a share that the report said grew nearly thirtyfold since 2020. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 All of these freshmen might contribute meaningfully to Notre Dame’s success this season. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 These returning athletes could take roster spots or at least playing time away from freshmen and transfers. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026 And how much of a team’s ranking is based on program history versus the number of returning starters — or perhaps the impact of portal recruits and/or true freshmen? — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshmen
  1. novices
  2. newcomers
  3. beginners
  4. rookies
  5. apprentices
  6. recruits
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
  • An aurora photographer who spoke to National Geographic offered tips for novices trying to take photos of the phenomenon, including would-be photographers who only have access to a smartphone camera.
    — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of novices
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
  • Even the newcomers to this season’s Bears quickly noticed a way of doing things that felt purposeful and full of zeal.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of newcomers
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
  • Targeted at younger folks and beginners, all three promise proper dirt-bike thrills without the noise, fuel, or maintenance of an ICE motorcycle.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginners
Noun
  • The Patriots also have 11 rookies on the roster, which suggests that this is a different group.
    — Chad Graff, New York Times, 3 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 rookies
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
  • Her hope is that her apprentices will become mentors themselves.
    — Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprentices
Noun
  • The two girls were falsely listed as recruits for the university’s crew team, even though neither ever participated in the sport.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Murry Taylor, who jumped for twenty-seven seasons, many of them with Dow, compared the recruits to wild horses.
    — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of recruits

Browse Nearby Words

freshman
freshmen
freshness
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Cite this Entry

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

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