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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
  • Captain Breanna Stewart and newcomers Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese were wearing red-and-white versions of their Pumas, Nikes and Reeboks, respectively.
    — Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Douthat is the only newcomer added to the opening credits where the correspondents introduce themselves on camera.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • At that time, people overtraded and treated the market like a casino, as novices began participating more frequently.
    — David Capablanca, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • For the novice, wine can be mysterious at best, and intimidating at worst.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • The former four-star recruit moved to left tackle last year and had an All-SEC season, graded as one of the best linemen in the country.
    — PJ Green September 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The recruit allegedly took photos and videos of several locations and was likely paid around $1,500.
    — Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of recruit
Noun
  • And now, a beginner electronics kit has become one small part of a much larger local automation system.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026
  • On sale for less than $100 right now, this Abu Garcia combo combines lightweight graphite with an intense grip to offer a rod and reel that works well for beginners and advanced casters alike.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • Approaching retirement, Patrick searches with exacting standards for someone to fill his shoes, investing time in mentoring young apprentice Matteo.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
  • CEOs would be wise to reinvest some of the profit AI creates into apprentice-style roles that grow entry-level people fast.
    — Michael Chavira, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • Swift makes a meta appearance as an unnamed rookie on the team with her sidekick Olivia Benson (cat).
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Wilson threw for 115 yards and a touchdown when challenging the rookie, and that included setting up a crucial first-half touchdown pass to David Moore against Igbinoghene’s coverage.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • The sophomore didn’t score during his freshman season, despite leading Florida in receiving with 512 yards.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Honor, who is going into her freshman year at Yale University this fall, posted a picture of her bed next to her desk.
    — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 17 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 20 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on neophyte

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neophyte

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