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Synonyms

late bloomer

American  

noun

  1. a person whose talents or capabilities are slow to develop.

    A late bloomer, she wrote her first novel when she was almost 50.


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.

See Examples For:

A late bloomer, Pegula has taken the long road.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 11, 2026

A 64-year-old late bloomer who arrived in Bloomington with a cocky press conference and group of James Madison transfers, Cignetti delivered swagger, talent and a gift for navigating college football’s turbulent, transfer-happy economy.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 10, 2026

“He always said it was fine to be a late bloomer if you made it to the flower show,” Pat wrote in her husband’s death notice.

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 13, 2025

Now retired Morgan was a bit of a late bloomer with the most memorable spell of his career coming with Leicester City, where he won the Premier League title at the age of 32.

From BBC Sep. 8, 2024

I was fourteen years old, so maybe she thought I was a late bloomer.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana

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