FRESHMAN Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

freshman

noun

ˈfresh-mən

Definition of freshman

as in novice

a person who is just starting out in a field of activity our senator is just a freshman in Congress

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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 freshman In Buchanan’s absence, freshman Ben Congdon and sophomore SJ Alofaituli took care of duties at guard. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 Daquintas Rushing, a freshman at East English Village Preparatory Academy in Detroit, said Count Day has become something students look forward to. — Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 To be eligible, applicants must be seeking enrollment at the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment as a first-time freshman for Fall 2027. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026 As of 2024, tuition costs $32,000, while 25 percent of incoming freshmen are granted Hope Scholarships. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for freshman

Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshman

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

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

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freshly

freshman

freshmen

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

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Synonyms of freshman

noun

Example Sentences

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