1
as in amateur
being such only for recreation
a toolshed that can be built by any jackleg carpenter who's capable of hitting a nail without smashing his thumb
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in inexperienced
lacking or showing a lack of expert skill
he did such a jackleg installation of that door frame that now the door won't shut
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in corrupt
having or showing lowered moral character or standards
a jackleg lawyer whose clients consist mainly of drug dealers and child molesters
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as in kid
a person who lacks experience and competence in an art or science
you can't rely on a bunch of jacklegs to run your dairy farm
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jackleg
Adjective
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After decades when Ukraine was seen as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, cleaning up its government has been held up as the most important condition for Kyiv to join the European Union and integrate more broadly with the West.—
Olena Harmash,
USA Today,
23 July 2025 -
The first season’s framing of the police as some of the dumbest and most corrupt people alive could be good fodder for Salazar, who might make a go for sheriff given how Callie’s husband bungled the Pastor Pete case.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
22 July 2025
Noun
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Gaskins said the policy change benefits the city’s prospects for hosting major league professional and elite amateur teams in the future, and, at the same time, provides young residents and visitors with opportunities to participate in evening sports.—
Lee Igel,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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The annual amateur draft begins Sunday night with the first three rounds and continues on Monday with rounds 4-20.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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In the kitchen, opt for glass and stainless-steel containers, and throw away degraded plastic tools.—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
7 July 2025
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Shot on low-grade digital cameras that made every image look even more apocalyptic and degraded, the film remains utterly terrifying, boasting excellent supporting turns from Naomie Harris and Brendan Gleeson as Jim’s fellow survivors.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
20 June 2025
Noun
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Whether kids are seeing real stars like Bill Murray or Mckenna Grace, or just someone from a fan club, the effect is the same.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
24 July 2025
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And who can forget his time in that MTV reality show alongside his second wife Sharon and his youngest kids.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Kids get hurt and get sick, like anyone else; every year, a few in the practice battle life-threatening illness, often cancer.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
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Mission Viejo raced to the title while playing without wide receiver Vance Spafford (sick), cornerback Jeron Jones (fractured wrist), safeties Sawyer Thomson (knee) and Zachary Foeldi (knee) and wide receiver Max Markofski (hip).—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
13 July 2025
Noun
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The Cobbler shaker features three pieces and is the most common for home use and beginner bartenders.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 July 2025
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Aloe vera is low-maintenance, making the houseplant an excellent option for beginner houseplant owners, who don’t have much time for excessive plant care.—
Michelle Mastro,
Architectural Digest,
23 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Jackleg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jackleg. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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