ROOKIE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

rookie

noun

ˈru̇-kē

Definition of rookie

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

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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 Watching left-wing media try to discredit Caitlin Clark and her dedicated fan base has been a tale as old as her rookie season. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez’s 18 tackles were the most by a Dolphins rookie in a single game, topping Zach Thomas’ record of 16 against Arizona in 1996. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026 Utilizing him as a point forward might allow Christie to find time for Clifford and Sharp, a promising rookie with 3-and-D capabilities. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026 The 22-year-old was a rookie pro for the Condors last season and delivered an impressive year (30-33-63 in 67 games). — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rookie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

How about subsidizing our next freshman class and bringing the cost down to $50K?

— Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
Keaton Wagler, whose sensational freshman season propelled Illinois to its first Final Four in 21 years, is preparing for the NBA season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

— Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of freshman

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

Browse Nearby Words

rooked

rookie

rookies

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“Rookie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rookie. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rookie

noun

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