greenhorns

noun

plural of greenhorn
as in novices
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity go easy on him—he's just a greenhorn and doesn't have all the experience you do

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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 greenhorns Flecks of mica and pyrite and who knows what, but only fools and greenhorns mistake it for gold. — John Archibald, Southern Living, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for greenhorns
  1. novices
  2. beginners
  3. newcomers
  4. apprentices
  5. rookies
  6. freshmen
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 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
  • 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, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of freshmen

Browse Nearby Words

greenhorn
greenhorns
greenhouse
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Cite this Entry

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

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