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
  • The difference between those projects and the 27 data centers that already exist or are being built in Miami-Dade (including three newcomers that have drawn controversy) is the size.
    — Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • Significantly, High Plains offered alternatives to more expensive, two-drink-minimum club shows that might scare off casual comedy fans and newcomers to stand-up.
    — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 16 July 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • Haaland has become a social media phenomenon, with his own posts and memes from others turning even soccer novices into diehard fans.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 13 July 2026
  • The last death at San Fermin's bull runs occurred in 2009, but gorings and broken bones are common, partly due to the large number of novice bull runners and foreign tourists who join the experienced locals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • The recruits will be deployed in Malaysia and tested in the hostile jungle environment.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Sharp a 3-star recruit at 6-feet and 160 pounds will be a handful alongside Webb.
    — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 15 July 2026
Definition of recruit
Noun
  • This fun, beginner-friendly class teaches the fundamentals of Texas Hold’em, giving you the confidence to join a friendly game.
    — Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • The app is especially well suited for beginners, busy professionals and anyone who feels overwhelmed by more complex budgeting systems.
    — Catherine Collins, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • Across all trades Pennsylvania infamously requires four journeymen per apprentice, as do Maryland and New Jersey.
    — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Guests will hear the shuffle of San Francisco outside the windows, phones ringing, and the lingering voices of apprentices or other clients.
    — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • Mims is heading into the final year of his rookie deal, while Franklin has this season and 2027 before free agency.
    — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 July 2026
  • The Warriors rookie responded with 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a number of bone-crunching collisions with his fellow 250-pounder.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • Included in her village is Kai, who will be soon be a freshman at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, two counties away.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • Gracia, who throws and hits left-handed, was a freshman All-American at Duke and then transferred to UVA for his junior season.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

neophiliacs
neophyte
neophytes
See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Neophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophyte. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on neophyte

Nglish: Translation of neophyte for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neophyte

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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