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Definitions

veteran

[vet-er-uhn, ve-truhn] / ˈvɛt ər ən, ˈvɛ trən /
ADJECTIVE
experienced, seasoned
Synonyms
STRONGEST
old-time skilled trained
STRONG
adept expert old pro steady versed vet wise
WEAK
battle-scarred been around disciplined exercised from way back hardened inured knows one's stuff long-serving long-time not born yesterday of the old school practical practiced proficient sophisticated up to speed weathered wise to ways worldly
Antonyms
STRONG
unskilled
WEAK
amateur green inexperienced
NOUN
person with much experience; particularly in war
Synonyms
STRONGEST
expert pro vet
STRONG
GI old-timer sourdough trouper war-horse
WEAK
old guard old hand old pro old salt old soldier shellback
Antonyms
WEAK
rookie

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Glover is a 49-year-old veteran astronaut set to become the first Black person -- and first person of color -- to embark on a lunar voyage.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“I’m out here as a veteran because I think we have a particular awareness and a particular stake in service,” he told me.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Fox News host — and military veteran — Joey Jones addressed the president and his former co-worker Hegseth directly over the weekend.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

On the flip side, they could play it very safe and bring in a veteran DJ like Tony Blackburn whose radio career spans more than 60 years.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

One of the people being held at gunpoint was Sergeant Bruce Prothero, a thirty-five-year-old, thirteen-year veteran of the Baltimore County police department.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.