neophyte

noun

ˈnē-ə-ˌfīt How to pronounce neophyte (audio)
Definition of neophytenext
1
as in newcomer
a person who has recently been persuaded to join a religious sect neophytes are assigned an experienced church member to guide them through their first year

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity a neophyte in snowboarding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 neophyte The former First Lady has some things in common right now with a Maine oyster farmer and political neophyte who’s running for Senate. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 3 June 2026 Compared with New York, San Antonio is led by neophytes. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 3 June 2026 Luckily for neophytes, the menu offers easy-to-understand tasting notes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026 For her motoring partner, Fade Ogunro, also a Dodgeball neophyte, piloting their Porsche was a matter of pride. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for neophyte
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neophyte
  1. newcomer
  2. novice
  3. recruit
  4. beginner
  5. apprentice
  6. rookie
  7. freshman
Noun
  • Incomplete back-shoulder slot fade to newcomer Jalen Reagor, who slowed down a bit either.
    — Tyler M. Carmona, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • Scorsese’s lawyers countersued, argued that Afram was a newcomer to the industry with unrealistic expectations.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 July 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • Knowledgeable bartenders guide novices and obsessives alike, making an overwhelming list feel approachable rather than intimidating.
    — USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • With tastings, master classes, wine-and-food pairing seminars, conversations, concerts, and in several cases, auctions, wine festivals offer something for everyone from novice to expert.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 23 July 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • Henderson was one of the first recruits the Cougars hosted under the new coaching staff.
    — Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • Its recruit and redeploy stages require roles decomposed into explicit tasks—making what AI can augment answerable task by task.
    — Manu Khetan, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of recruit
Noun
  • The activity's simplicity means beginners can start light and progress gradually, even using household items for weight.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The property is just a five-minute walk from the Côte des Basques beach (one of the best beginner-friendly surf beaches in the city), and close to the restaurants and bars of the Beaurivage neighborhood (known locally as ‘Bibi’).
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 31 July 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • First introduced in The Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker’s Jedi apprentice finally made her live-action debut in season 2 of The Mandalorian, with Rosario Dawson assuming the role with cool confidence.
    — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026
  • With a twist of his hand, Hiddleston takes the audience back in time to meet Avianius, a teenage bronzesmith apprentice, Julia Felix, a bathhouse owner, and an unnamed Praetorian guard.
    — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 22 July 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • Chris Brazzell, the rookie the Panthers were counting on to be an occasional player and deep-ball threat for Young, was carted off Wednesday with a knee injury.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • Later, Royals rookie duo Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone added RBI hits.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • For high school freshmen, that number was even lower, at just 38% meeting grade level on the English I STAAR exam.
    — Samuel O’Neal July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • During the group panel discussion, Alexander was asked about Georgia coach Kirby Smart and his son Andrew, who is a rising freshman quarterback for the Spartans.
    — Hunter DeLauder, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

neophiliacs
neophyte
neophytes
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Cite this Entry

“Neophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophyte. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on neophyte

Nglish: Translation of neophyte for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neophyte

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