AMATEUR Synonyms: 149 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

amateur 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of amateur next

as in inexperienced

being such only for recreation an amateur cabinetmaker, he derives immense satisfaction from finely crafting his own furniture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in amateurish

lacking or showing a lack of expert skill in every room there were amateur watercolors, apparently the work of the innkeeper's wife

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

amateur

2 of 2

noun

ˈa-mə-chər

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

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

Examples 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

Before home computers and desktop publishing, font selection for posters and invitations was left to the professionals; Comic Sans ushered in the era of the amateur’s choice, for good or ill. —

Simon Garfield, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2024 Whether hosting professionals or amateurs, Greater Zion golf offers an array of topographies and geographic features including red rocks, black lava flows, red hills, canyons, plateaus and waterways. —

Michael Loré, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 Obviously, Gaga lives in this world and even had to put the brakes on her voice to make Lee's amateur singing realistic. —

Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2024 Even a great cook may be inept at recipe writing, a complex exercise that involves carefully recording your work and anticipating any of the million places where an amateur might slip up. —

Ruby Tandoh, The New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for amateur

Recent Examples of Synonyms for amateur

Noun

GameMaker, a more polished experience for beginners and a smoother entry to console publishing, remains our Editors' Choice winner for consumer-level game development software.

PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Walking is a great workout—especially for beginners.

Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024