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
  • Dango Ouattara should retain his role on the right but newcomer Jaidon Anthony could pinch Kevin Schade’s place on the opposite side.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Amziah hands off the honey plant to Kateri as McConaughey, the Oscar-winning movie star, hands off the film to newcomer LookingGlass, in her very first movie role.
    — Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • The epic eight-part Italian drama was widely acclaimed and streamed in the fall on Mubi, a relatively novice player in the episodic game.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The music industry has been wrestling with the pros and cons of the new technology that allows musical novices to create professional-sounding songs in seconds.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • The 6-foot-5 cornerback is a former five-star recruit who had three interceptions as a freshman last season.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Both junior investment bankers and senior banking veterans—including former Morgan Stanley managing director Alisha Lehr just last month—are among OpenAI’s latest recruits.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of recruit
Noun
  • For absolute beginners, Quynh advises trying liquid concealer first.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The workshop offers instruction for various levels, including beginner and intermediate.
    — Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • During his first two years as a starter, Santori was the apprentice who carefully studied the game and developed organically under the influence of his older peers.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Twenty years later, John (Pierre) is serving as an apprentice to an older, grouchier Hal.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • From Jordan Spieth trying to find his form, to rookie Jackson Koivun looking to continue a remarkable first season, to Scottie Scheffler chasing another Player of the Year honor, there is plenty to watch as the playoffs get underway.
    — Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Pinch-runner Sung-Mun Song scored that winner with a deft headfirst slide, denying Sanchez’s tag attempt after a good (but high) throw from rookie right fielder Luis Lara one play after Lara denied Jackson Merrill’s a game-winning extra-base hit.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • In May, an 18-year-old freshman reported she was raped and strangled after meeting a man at a fraternity party before returning to her dorm at Tropicana Gardens in Isla Vista.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But none of that kept Jones from keeping his commitment to Boise State, and his position coach here, first-year man Alvis Whitted, has been impressed by the young freshman.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 13 Aug. 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on neophyte

Nglish: Translation of neophyte for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neophyte

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