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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
Carlsen also happens to be a co-founder of Freestyle Chess, which is looking to engage both chess aficionados, as well as amateurs new to the game. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025 For the first time since 2022, no amateur made the cut at the Masters. Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025 Australian amateur Michael Mattiazzo discovered the comet in late March using SWAN imagery, which maps hydrogen in the solar wind according to Spaceweather.com. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025 Babolat is a trusted brand that utilizes the latest in technology to make rackets suited for pros and amateurs alike. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amateur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amateur
Noun
  • Look no further than Tommy Gaunt Kitesurfing, located at Anegada Beach Club, to try this adventurous activity; Tommy is a master and makes the experience a breeze even for beginners.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Plant by Number is looking to majorly simplify the gardening process for beginners and master gardeners alike.
    Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 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
  • The key takeaway: AI Agents Will Happen The strategy provides elements for sophisticated developers, novice designers, and employees who must find and use agents to improve their workflow.
    Maribel Lopez, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The massive swells are caused by the deepwater reefs, not recommended for novice surfers or swimmers.
    Mariette Williams, AFAR Media, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Battle of Algiers (1966) Shot on location and filled with nonprofessional actors, Gillo Pontecorvo’s The Battle of Algiers chronicles the clash between forces of the French government and rebels in the Algerian capital during the Algerian War.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 22 Nov. 2024
  • 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
Noun
  • The massacre, which also wounded 21 people, became a blueprint for dozens of copycats and shattered the notion that kids were safe in school.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Below, here are all of the comments Elon Musk has made about his ever-growing number of kids.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This year, Easter Sunday falls on April 20, also known as 4/20, an unofficial holiday for cannabis enthusiasts in celebration of their love of the bud.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Dabney has been telling other Burning Man enthusiasts about his DIY cooling system and referring them to Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for used panels.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amateur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amateur. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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