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 Spurs rookie Dylan Harper looked anything but a neophyte with 12 points and six rebounds, too. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 4 June 2026 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 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
  • From inexpensive, simple (but brilliant) redesigns to the smartest new smart appliances, these are the newcomers that wowed us.
    — Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Political newcomer and Democrat Coumba Kebe is challenging incumbent Republican Treasurer Daniel Elliott for the state’s chief investment office that manages around $16 billion daily.
    — Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • To capture some of that essence, Guitar Center is trying to make its stores a place to hang out for novices and pros alike.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In the latest, The Big Cats Dance Party, a high-profile case falls to a novice sleuth while the agency’s founder is away.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • Carson Campbell is one of many standout recruits on the Saints’ roster.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Rivers’ son, Gunner, is a four-star recruit verbally committed to the Wolfpack in this cycle.
    — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of recruit
Noun
  • Classes range from beginner-friendly lessons, like learning how to use a machine, to teaching intermediate skills, like hemming pants or installing a zipper.
    — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Ski Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the hardest mountains in North America, with only 10 percent of its terrain meant for beginners.
    — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • As Lubelo takes his final bow to thunderous applause, his mom beams a proud smile at the 11-year-old apprentice magician.
    — Julie Bourdin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Wherever possible, leftover materials are reused or donated to local apprentice schools.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • McKee did find rookie Makai Lemon throughout the night and picked apart the secondary at times, but there is gradual improvement showing out of the unit.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
  • On the score, rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane had ideal coverage and the Chiefs brought eight on a blitz.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • The Panthers, with three freshmen and two sophomores playing major roles, finished 22-4.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Adding Gwath, who had 68 blocks as a freshman and 37 as a sophomore and moves well, certainly boosts that goal, and Gwath thinks the team’s length and experience should help on defense.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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