rookie

noun

ˈru̇-kē How to pronounce rookie (audio)
Definition of rookienext
as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity although a star in his old sport of basketball, he was still just a rookie as far as baseball was concerned

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 rookie Arizona rookie quarterback Carson Beck, who has been out for three weeks with a rib injury, is back at practice and will begin the season on the bench behind Jacoby Brissett. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 Meet the 21-year-old PGA Tour rookie selected for the Presidents Cup. — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Continue reading here Angels end losing streak Vaughn Grissom drove in four runs, rookie Walbert Ureña pitched seven strong innings and the Angels ended a seven-game losing streak with a 10-1 victory over the sloppy New York Yankees on Monday night. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Vaughn Grissom drove in four runs, rookie Walbert Ureña pitched seven strong innings and the Los Angeles Angels ended a seven-game losing streak with a 10-1 victory over the sloppy New York Yankees on Monday night. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rookie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rookie
  1. novice
  2. beginner
  3. freshman
  4. newcomer
  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
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • 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

rooked
rookie
rookies
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Cite this Entry

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

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