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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
Some cracked tiles will still need to be professionally restored, which will cost money, but a lot of the work can be done by amateurs, Garland said. Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2025 Look for professional golfers or coaches with a history of helping pros and amateurs. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 President Donald Trump’s national security team has looked like a pack of amateurs. Debra J. Saunders, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2025 Fifty years into a storied career, the call is the call of an amateur. Joshua Dubler, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amateur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amateur
Noun
  • Some drivers cost less than $10, but these are entirely meant for beginners.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Texas Hold’em Poker Lessons for Beginners Monday (weekly) from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. This beginner’s class is designed to teach the fundamentals of Texas Hold’em in a fun and engaging environment.
    Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 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
  • In the film, former Olympian Irving Blitzer, played by the late actor, coaches a novice four-man bobsleigh team from Jamaica.
    Sharareh Drury, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Mood and well-being of novice open water swimmers and controls during an introductory outdoor swimming programme: A feasibility study Biology.
    Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Aside from the three main actors, the majority of the film features largely nonprofessional actors, cast from Alliata’s real friends and family from her childhood in Hawaii.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • The nonprofit provides underprivileged kids with a custom birthday cake free of charge.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • However, Goldstein’s distribution team strategically positioned the movie to open ahead of spring break, when plenty of kids have time off from school.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • History enthusiasts can journey back to the 19th century at Ca n’Amat Museum.
    Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Home Improved is news and information center for home renovation and DIY enthusiasts.
    USA Today, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amateur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amateur. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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