AMATEUR Synonyms: 149 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

amateur 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of amateur next

as in inexperienced

being such only for recreation an amateur cabinetmaker, he derives immense satisfaction from finely crafting his own furniture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in amateurish

lacking or showing a lack of expert skill in every room there were amateur watercolors, apparently the work of the innkeeper's wife

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

amateur

2 of 2

noun

ˈa-mə-chər

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

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

Examples 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

Because Sasaki is not yet 25, he is considered an international amateur and is therefore not eligible for an MLB contract. —

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2025 Professional Forensic Investigation—while beyond the reach of amateurs, larger organizations and law enforcement agencies can access specialized tools, often powered by the same neural networks used to create deepfakes. —

Bernard Marr, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 The Dodgers are also in the market for Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki, who will sign no sooner than Jan. 15, the beginning of the 2025 international amateur signing period. —

Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025 Condense cookbooks Cookbooks are amazing sources of inspiration and guidance for amateur and experienced home cooks alike. —

Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for amateur

Recent Examples of Synonyms for amateur

Noun

This ultramodern property just 15 minutes away from Woodstock is one of our favorite treehouse Airbnbs, offering a luxe off-the-grid experience for seasoned (or beginner) glampers.

— Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 23 Jan. 2025
All are welcome from beginners to those with a practice for years.

— Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2025