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
Relevance
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
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
Famously, Hathaway was far down on the casting wish list for the role of fashion neophyte Andrea Sachs, so this timeless performance is nothing if not a testament to what happens when an eternal theater kid tackles a role with something to prove.
—Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026
It’s been a long time since South Texas politics has produced such an unusual and high-stakes congressional race as this year’s battle between a two-term Republican incumbent and her Democratic opponent, a charismatic political neophyte who’s accustomed to being in the public eye.
—Joe Holley, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for neophyte
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
Famously, Hathaway was far down on the casting wish list for the role of fashion neophyte Andrea Sachs, so this timeless performance is nothing if not a testament to what happens when an eternal theater kid tackles a role with something to prove.
—Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026
It’s been a long time since South Texas politics has produced such an unusual and high-stakes congressional race as this year’s battle between a two-term Republican incumbent and her Democratic opponent, a charismatic political neophyte who’s accustomed to being in the public eye.
—Joe Holley, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for neophyte
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neophyte
Noun
-
From 2020 to 2024, Asheville’s population boomed, with more than 16,000 new residents moving in, and the question of who gets to participate in Appalachian culture found an answer in the square dancing circles that have always welcomed newcomers to the Tar Heel State.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
Agriculture is a relative newcomer, arriving only around 12,000 years ago.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson occupies one of the most powerful positions in state government and faces an election from a complete novice.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
10 June 2026
-
The veteran politician Becerra received nearly 28% of the vote, and the political novice and former Fox News contributor Hilton received 25%, according to the AP.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Senior third baseman Tegan Tripp, a Virginia Tech recruit who batted cleanup, then lined a home run to center to lead off the fourth.—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2026
-
The Dawgs still had five Top 200 overall recruits in town a week ago.—
Jeff Sentell,
AJC.com,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Then be sure to check out our beginner's guide to photographing the night sky, along with our roundups of the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
9 June 2026
-
Best baseball glove This glove and ball set is the perfect set for beginners.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Not to be outshined, Casio G-Shock’s Grogu model branded as the Baby-G comes in a distinctive bright neon-green hue in honor of Din Djarin’s little Force-wielding apprentice.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
2 June 2026
-
Its trio, a lonely fox-deer, an axolotl apprentice healer and a red panda Viking, travel through a darkening natural world as the series folds identity, belonging and environmental crisis.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Whereas veteran players will begin their time off later this week, the Dolphins will keep rookies in the building until early next week.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
9 June 2026
-
Duck initially made the Dolphins’ 2024 roster as an undrafted rookie.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Rodgers led Reading with four goals, followed by freshman sister Madeline Rodgers with two goals and three assists.—
Matt Goisman,
Boston Herald,
11 June 2026
-
When the family moved from Ohio after his freshman year, Klugo’s self-reliance helped elevate the tennis team.—
Liana Handler
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Neophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophyte. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
