tenderfoot

noun

ˈten-dər-ˌfu̇t How to pronounce tenderfoot (audio)
Definition of tenderfootnext
as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity skateboarders who are tenderfeet will inevitably fall as they learn their first moves

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 tenderfoot Smit-McPhee plays a hapless Scottish tenderfoot who teams with Fassbender's conflicted bounty hunter to track down his true love in the American West. — and Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 21 June 2024 The tenderfoot Americans, with six rookies, eight guys yet to reach 30, and minimal scar tissue, won three of four foursomes in the morning to get to 9-3 and two of four fourball rounds in the afternoon to reach 11-5. — BostonGlobe.com, 25 Sep. 2021 Once upon a time, the members of a whitetail deer hunting club in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula invited a tenderfoot to their camp. — The Editors, Field & Stream, 11 Oct. 2020 But even a tenderfoot can easily corral yeast and put it to use, because yeast is everywhere. — Henry Fountain, New York Times, 7 May 2020 But like a tenderfoot scout who confidently builds a campfire only to end up burning down the forest, Kalanick’s loose management — of his staff and himself — paved the way for a cascade of embarrassing scandals by 2014. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenderfoot
  1. novice
  2. beginner
  3. apprentice
  4. newcomer
  5. rookie
  6. freshman
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
  • 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
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
  • 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
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

tenderfeet
tenderfoot
tenderhearted
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Cite this Entry

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

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