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

Relevance

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

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

Many top high school recruits these days commit to schools expecting to start as true freshmen and hit the league in three years.

— Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Rogers will speak in Dallas on Thursday evening and is one of the GOP’s top recruits in a must-win Senate race for Democrats.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 10 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

Newbauer attempted only one pass, as did freshman Bowe Bentley, a top-100 prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle.

— Antonio Morales, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
In 2012, then-head coach Red Berenson announced the end of freshman hazing, according to news articles cited in the lawsuit.

— Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

neophiliacs

neophyte

neophytes

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Neophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophyte. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of neophyte

noun

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