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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
  • Gear that is more accessible to novices, social media posts from beautiful locales and a false sense of security carrying a cellphone creates may all be playing a role here.
    Amanda Loudin, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Beginners and families can warm up on the .25-mile Gold Bug Loop, while novice riders looking to improve their freeride skills can cruise down Tommyknocker (5.8 miles).
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 23 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
  • That might mean combing through therapist directories to find out who's accepting new patients nearby or offering to watch their kids during appointments.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 6 June 2025
  • Morrison is 32 now — older, wiser, a lot more worldly than the kid who got into trouble, ended up in court and left Old Trafford without fulfilling that rare potential.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Night sky enthusiasts hoping to explore the planets of our solar system for themselves should check out our guides to the best binocular and telescope deals.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 6 June 2025
  • Quilting enthusiasts gather The nonprofit El Camino Quilters Guild meets at 9:30 a.m. June 10 at El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amateur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amateur. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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