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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 franchises are based geographically throughout the U.S. and Canada, and each has a mix of professionals, amateurs, plus-handicappers, tour winners, and golf/social media personalities. Candace Oehler, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 The 1997 Porsche 911 GT2 R is a job, in other words, for a professional Porsche restoration shop, or perhaps an enterprising amateur. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 14 May 2025 Both professionals and amateurs are allowed to play in the U.S. Open. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025 It’s gone through many changes since, but the core idea of bringing a dozen great amateur bakers together under a big white tent to show off their skills in pastries, breads, cakes, and other baked goods remains reassuringly constant. Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for amateur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amateur
Noun
  • Local businesses and surf shops like the Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy, Surfin’ NSB, and Nichols Surf Shop (which has been open since 1969 and is the town’s oldest surf shop) all employee seasoned instructors who are more than ready to help beginners discover the thrill of catching their first wave.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 May 2025
  • This bundle is structured for beginners who already have a basic understanding of IT and cybersecurity fundamentals.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 26 May 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
  • Like sommeliers who make wine accessible to novices while satisfying connoisseurs, effective tech leaders communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
    Dennis Kozak, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Unfortunately, many new nurses leave their programs without adequate hands-on experience and confidence, putting pressure on experienced nurses to mentor novices without additional compensation for training.
    Shakira Henderson, Sun Sentinel, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • That both Rios and Andrade are nonprofessional actors shows Soto’s command of the substance of his film.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 24 May 2025
  • An author inevitably faces the threat of proportional imbalance: a glut of one (the tantalizing range of delicacies eaten) and want of the other (the nonprofessional life lived).
    Charlotte Druckman, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Director Robert Zemeckis finds mixed results marrying broad comedy and pop-culture references with the title wooden boy's adventurous quest to become a real kid.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • European Sperm Bank — which recruits sperm donors in Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, according to its website — said that more than 67 kids were conceived using the donor’s sperm, and that all relevant fertility clinics were alerted to the situation.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Big news for vintage train enthusiasts: The Orient Express brand is back with a luxe new train inspired by 1960s style.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025
  • Only one other California boat show popped up on USA Today’s list of the best American events for boat enthusiasts.
    Kendrick Marshall, Sacbee.com, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amateur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amateur. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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