FRESHMEN Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

freshmen

noun

plural of freshman

as in novices

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

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Recent Examples of freshmen Other college freshmen might be outside soaking up the nice weather on this sunny September day. — Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026 The College of Literature, Science and the Arts is the largest at the public university, with about 3,500 freshmen enrolled yearly, just less than half of the total class. — Dan Simmons, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 The other underclassmen Hurley was referring to in the top nine would presumably be sophomore star Braylon Mullins and freshmen Colben Landrew and Junior County, who are both expected to make immediate contributions. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026 Exactly 39 years after the debut of the iconic sitcom, a new sequel series hit Netflix on Thursday, blending a bunch of the beloved returning characters with a fresh class of freshmen. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026 Berrien’s defense, ranked 10th in Class 2A for points allowed per game, has five sophomores and two freshmen among its 12 leading tacklers. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026 In 2025, the University of California San Diego found that one in eight incoming freshmen at the school lacked necessary high school math skills. — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 2026 From there, look to a combination of sophomore Daylyn Upshaw, redshirt junior and Miami’s top three freshmen in Somourian Wingo, Milan Parris and Vance Spafford. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026 The senators, Roger Niello of Fair Oaks, Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh of Yucaipa and Steve Choi of Irvine, cited a UC San Diego faculty work group paper from last fall that found about 1 in 12 incoming freshmen tested below high school math standards. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshmen

Noun

The sizable number of offerings in every box can help bean novices get acquainted with new products and strengthen their bond with favorites.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Sep. 2026
Despite being an expert in her craft, Godshalk communicated the principles of floral design to her students in a way that was easy for novices to digest.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of novices

Noun

Fresno is emerging as an unexpected draw for younger residents priced out of coastal hubs, with affordable homes and jobs — but newcomers are pushing up rents and prices.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
So while remixing one’s own work of the past may be a cool curio for serious fans, collaboration among genre titans and newcomers could be the real key to getting rap back in the conversation and on the charts.

— Michael Saponara, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of newcomers

Noun

On ordinary days, the loop is a training ground for runners and cyclists, and an unusually forgiving place for beginners and families.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
Generally, racehorses aren’t suitable for young children or beginners, and owners must have the space and wherewithal to feed and care for them, which can cost thousands of dollars a year.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of beginners

Noun

Edge Josh Uche relayed something similar, explaining that Rodriguez remains the unwavered through it all, a rarity among rookies.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
And his rookies, even the potentially franchise-altering kind, will wear embarrassing backpacks.

— Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of rookies

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
The new funding will allow the school to add 16 apprentices, for a total of 51 trainees.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of apprentices

Noun

Around 72% of managers plan to boost pay for recruits with relevant AI skills, and 42% say that knowledge commands a greater surcharge than other technical skills.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Wilkerson was one of the dozens of recruits to take in the Horned Frogs’ top-10 showdown with the Cougars.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of recruits

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

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Synonyms of freshmen

noun

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