NEOPHYTE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

neophyte

noun

ˈnē-ə-ˌfīt

Definition of neophyte

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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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

Noun

Then there is Nana (Erin Morton), sweet as pie and a newcomer to the group.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
At 22, the Chilean singer-songwriter, most identifiable by her fire engine red tresses, is one of the most visionary newcomers in the latest wave of post-urbano Latin artists.

— Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

To a novice taster, sipping out of a plastic Mets carafe, the wine smelled like dry grass and very ripe blackberries.

— Arthur Holland Michel, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
The sizable number of offerings in every box can help bean novices get acquainted with new products and strengthen their bond with favorites.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of novice

Noun

Those were among the comments that came to light last year after an LAPD whistleblower secretly recorded his colleagues in a unit that screens police recruits.

— Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
The Patterson hire is just five games in and somehow looks like a downgrade, despite top recruits like Luke Wafle and Jakheem Stewart playing on the defensive line.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of recruit

Noun

For carpenters, delays and poor weather conditions can disrupt the working hours apprentices need to complete their program, causing some to quit.

— Itzel Franco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
More than half of the new money will go toward the CUNY Professional Development Institute to add 30 apprentices, doubling the total enrollment to 60 trainees, according to a press release shared with the Daily News ahead of the announcement.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of apprentice

Noun

Wagler is one of the team’s promising young players, alongside fellow rookie Baba Miller, Kobe Sanders and the rehabbing Jordan Miller and Yanic Konan Niederhauser.

— Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Schaefer won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie last season.

— Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of rookie

Noun

Promising freshman Olivia Vukosa, the incoming freshman from New York City’s Christ The King High, was the Big East Freshman of the Year.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Starting freshman tight end Mark Bowman was also listed as questionable on the report after catching six passes for 44 yards against Oregon and amassing the second-most receptions on the team overall with 21.

— Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

neophiliacs

neophyte

neophytes

See all Nearby Words

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“Neophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophyte. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of neophyte

noun

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