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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
  • In other news, the fair’s popular Premise sector, which focuses on unusual curatorial displays that hope to broaden our understanding of art history, is expanding this year to include 12 participating galleries, nine of them being newcomers.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The proposal would also require some parents of foreign students to attend Italian language classes, part of Meloni’s push to make newcomers embrace national culture, rules and gender norms.
    — Maria Grazia Murru, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • Despite being an expert in her craft, Godshalk communicated the principles of floral design to her students in a way that was easy for novices to digest.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Sid Vicious, six months before his debut as the Sex Pistols’ new bassist, was most assuredly a novice on the drums.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • Competitive compensation helps Broward recruit and retain the talented teachers and education professionals our children deserve.
    — Roberto Fernandez III, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The best was Purdue recruit Jackie Ryder, who led New Trier to a 45-13 win over the Huskies in Week 1.
    — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of recruit
Noun
  • At a beginner’s mahjong night at a local bar, tables largely full of young professionals engaged in friendly competition over Hong Kong-style sets as Chang emceed over a microphone.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Then be sure to read our roundups of the best telescope deals, along with our beginner's guide to observing the night sky with a manual telescope.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • Some apprentices work hard and have relevant experience, yet the craft never fully clicks for them.
    — Matthew Darienzo, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • He was accepted as an apprentice at a design firm that specialized in interior decoration.
    — Hilton Als, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • Entering the game with a shoulder injury designation, rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane dressed but did not play, leaving L’Jarius Sneed on the outside opposite Nohl Williams to start.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Williams, after going 5-12 as a rookie, threw for a franchise-record 3,942 yards while leading the Bears to an 11-6 record and the NFC North title.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • Exactly 39 years after the debut of the iconic sitcom, a new sequel series hit Netflix on Thursday, blending a bunch of the beloved returning characters with a fresh class of freshmen.
    — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Standout freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley, who racked up 13 catches, 255 yards, four receiving touchdowns and a punt-return touchdown in his first three games with USC, was listed as doubtful.
    — Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on neophyte

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neophyte

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