Synonym Chooser

How does the noun tyro differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of tyro are amateur, dabbler, and dilettante. While all these words mean "a person who follows a pursuit without attaining proficiency or professional status," tyro implies inexperience often combined with audacity with resulting crudeness or blundering.

shows talent but is still a mere tyro

When could amateur be used to replace tyro?

While the synonyms amateur and tyro are close in meaning, 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 tyro?

The synonyms dabbler and tyro are sometimes interchangeable, but dabbler suggests desultory habits of work and lack of persistence.

a dabbler who started novels but never finished them

When can dilettante be used instead of tyro?

The meanings of dilettante and tyro largely overlap; however, 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

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 tyro If Fishman’s math holds up, ESPN could be looking at a 20% boost in overall revenue in just seven years’ time—a feat that likely would be wholly improbable if the sports unit were to maintain the status quo or promote the streaming tyro at the expense of the foundational TV network. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Dec. 2024 Rabe also steers the movie’s helm, alongside her life partner and fellow actor Hamish Linklater, and the tyro directors manage to thread a tricky needle with their first feature, navigating the chasm and the overlap between agitated and quiet, between cartoon brightness and angst. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 June 2023 This intelligent, sensitive treatment of the rarely seen, everyday lives of young Palestinian citizens of Israel marks tyro feature writer-director Firas Khoury as a talent to watch, as well as a solid acquisition for Film Movement, the North American distributor. Alissa Simon, Variety, 22 Nov. 2022 When a tyro Steve Jobs or Bill Gates moved a lever back and forth, different configurations of those cylinders caused the Digi-Comp to compute Boolean logic operations. Jim Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2014 Ayyub played another student leader, a tyro named Shiva Shekhar—not quite the main role, but a key one nevertheless, and a fillip to his career. Samanth Subramanian, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2022 Outfitted in progressively more luscious frocks by Susan Hilferty, Feldstein makes a journey from nervy tyro to nervier pro. Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2022 The contenders in the original screenplay field are dominated by repeat WGA and Academy Award nominees with a few breakthrough tyro scribes in the mix. Danielle Turchiano, Variety, 30 Dec. 2021 The songs on the young rock tyro's debut album Teenage Heartbreak (out Friday) channel the irresistible riffs, explosive choruses and mix of lust, heartache, rebellion and angst that defined pop-punk's golden age. John Norris, Billboard, 16 Sep. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tyro
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
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
Noun
  • The show, which will tell the story of Maul teaching an apprentice, will debut in 2026.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Instead of focusing on licensed superheroes and their apprentices, Vigilantes shows us the perspective of those whose powers aren't quite strong enough to become full heroes.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After three years at UNC, Jordan was the third pick in the 1984 NBA Draft and was paid $555,000 by the Bulls during his rookie season.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Landing in Cleveland would be a poor outcome for Sanders, as the team isn't currently built to uplift a rookie passer.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The increase was mainly a result of the massive influx of out-of-state newcomers sparked by the rise of remote work, which allowed many Americans to relocate to more affordable, more livable cities and turn their back on expensive metropolises.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • First as Jacques Demy’s Madonna figure in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964), then in films by Truffaut, Polanski, and Buñuel, then during her stint in Hollywood and her later career as Andre Téchiné’s muse and inspiration to Millennial newcomers, Deneuve embodies a leftist French cinema ideal.
    Armond White, National Review, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Redshirt freshman Kaleb Annett was the most active quarterback on the day, throwing for 77 yards and a touchdown on a 6-for-10 throwing performance.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2025
  • But the team failed to capitalize on freshman Laurel Gonzalez’s ability to control 11 draws, which contributed to a 17-10 advantage on draws.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tyro.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tyro. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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