fledgling

noun

ˈflej-liŋ How to pronounce fledgling (audio)
Definition of fledglingnext
as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity at hockey he's still a fledgling and needs to work on his basic skating skills

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 fledgling There was no French fleet coming to Washington’s rescue, no French gold sustaining his army, and no alliance recognizing the fledgling nation. — Harry Ostrer, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026 Later observations and review of the data suggested that only three of those young reached fledgling age. — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026 The president has amassed significant amounts of crypto wealth while in office, complicating dynamics for senators drafting legislation to try to bring the fledgling digital assets industry into the mainstream. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026 Looking to win a rubber match to keep their fledgling postseason dreams alive, the Twins turned in a lackluster performance in a 9-2 rout by the Cleveland Guardians in front of 17,676 at Target Field. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fledgling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fledgling
  1. novice
  2. newcomer
  3. beginner
  4. apprentice
  5. freshman
  6. rookie
Noun
  • In the latest, The Big Cats Dance Party, a high-profile case falls to a novice sleuth while the agency’s founder is away.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026
  • To a novice taster, sipping out of a plastic Mets carafe, the wine smelled like dry grass and very ripe blackberries.
    — Arthur Holland Michel, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • However, as Germany’s economic problems — slow growth, high inflation, rising energy prices — have worsened, public sentiment toward the newcomers has deteriorated.
    — Kirsten Grieshaber, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • That combination—veteran experience and newcomer mentality—may be the key to understanding the current moment.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • The beginner's trap is expecting the Great Square to be compact and immediately obvious.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The evening will start with a beginner class, followed by intermediate instruction for more experienced terpsichorean talents.
    — Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • For carpenters, delays and poor weather conditions can disrupt the working hours apprentices need to complete their program, causing some to quit.
    — Itzel Franco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • More than half of the new money will go toward the CUNY Professional Development Institute to add 30 apprentices, doubling the total enrollment to 60 trainees, according to a press release shared with the Daily News ahead of the announcement.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • Promising freshman Olivia Vukosa, the incoming freshman from New York City’s Christ The King High, was the Big East Freshman of the Year.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Starting freshman tight end Mark Bowman was also listed as questionable on the report after catching six passes for 44 yards against Oregon and amassing the second-most receptions on the team overall with 21.
    — Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of freshman
Noun
  • Park Hae-il plays the head of a newspaper’s social affairs desk, and Lee Min-ho a rookie reporter.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The previous Miami rookie mark was by Zach Thomas, who had 16 against Arizona in 1996.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of rookie

Browse Nearby Words

fled
fledgling
fledglings
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Cite this Entry

“Fledgling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fledgling. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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