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amateur

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noun

1
as in tinkerer
a person who regularly or occasionally engages in an activity as a pastime rather than as a profession an amateur photographer who has won a number of photo contests

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in beginner
a person who lacks experience and competence in an art or science a homemade doghouse that looked like it was built by an amateur who hadn't mastered basic carpentry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun amateur differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of amateur are dabbler, dilettante, and tyro. While all these words mean "a person who follows a pursuit without attaining proficiency or professional status," amateur often applies to one practicing an art without mastery of its essentials; in sports it may also suggest not so much lack of skill but avoidance of direct remuneration.

a painting obviously done by an amateur
remained an amateur despite lucrative offers

In what contexts can dabbler take the place of amateur?

While the synonyms dabbler and amateur are close in meaning, dabbler suggests desultory habits of work and lack of persistence.

a dabbler who started novels but never finished them

When is it sensible to use dilettante instead of amateur?

The words dilettante and amateur can be used in similar contexts, but dilettante may apply to the lover of an art rather than its skilled practitioner but usually implies elegant trifling in the arts and an absence of serious commitment.

had no patience for dilettantes

When might tyro be a better fit than amateur?

The words tyro and amateur are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tyro implies inexperience often combined with audacity with resulting crudeness or blundering.

shows talent but is still a mere tyro

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 amateur
Noun
The result can be both compelling and a bit amateur at times, though never less than genuine. Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025 Even to an amateur’s eye, the crisp, exacting corners and lines of the concrete walls prove noticeable. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 Hernandez has the pitching skills to be a top-five selection in this summer’s MLB amateur draft. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2025 Case in point: PepsiCo’s large snack-making unit, Frito-Lay, will air an ad during the next Super Bowl created by one or more amateurs who enter a contest. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amateur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amateur
Noun
  • The gently rolling slopes of Elk Camp Meadows are perfect for beginners, with magic carpets for the little ones still figuring out their ski legs.
    Caroline Tell, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Some of the easiest orchids for beginners are phalenopsis, paphiopedilum, epidendron, oncidium and cattleya.
    Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Again, avocational people being kind of ahead of the archaeological profession.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2024
  • The avocational musicians rehearse three hours each Monday evening through the academic year, with two additional rehearsals during concert weeks.
    Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2023
Noun
  • Just kind of a handful or random observations with nothing that even the most novice player doesn't already know.
    Gene McCaffrey, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The fights, without a doubt, grabbed the attention of novice fans everywhere, but not everyone was a fan of it.
    Ryan Morik, Fox News, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Eventually, the camera leaves the school grounds and begins to follow two sisters; they’re played by nonprofessional actors Rojina Esmaeili and Saba Vahedyousefi, and exhibit the exact combination of precociousness and lack of self-awareness that usually characterize these types of screen moppets.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2025
  • The movie features a number of nonprofessional actors and men who were formerly incarcerated at the maximum security prison.
    Tommy McArdle, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Julie Andrews as Maria Andrews starred as Maria, the precocious and inspirational governess who helps the von Trapp kids learn to embrace music and family — and later becomes their stepmother.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Rocky Gap participates in the Maryland Park Service's Scales & Tales education program for kids.
    Trudy Haywood Saunders, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • While in town, history enthusiasts can dive deeper into Louisiana’s rich culture with a visit to the Capitol Park Museum, where The Louisiana Experience exhibit offers a journey through the state’s unique traditions, including the diverse ways Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout Louisiana.
    Roger Sands, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The local couple and wildlife enthusiasts offer both jungle-eco (departing daily at 11 a.m.) and relaxation cruises (departing daily at 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.) year-round.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amateur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amateur. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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