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

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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

There will also be high-profile newcomers on the small screen, though TV’s bigger focus will be on maximizing the impact of returning faves and minimizing the erosion of linear ratings.

— Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026
But newcomer Widow’s Bay, which garnered 19 noms, seems to have the late-breaking momentum.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

Nun-novice and anti-gun violence activist Nanette, 35, has been carrying her mother’s secret for five years, not knowing whether one or both of her sisters had been entrusted with it too.

— Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Since achieving widespread fame in 2013, Rettig has overseen gatherings that have introduced thousands of novices to toad smoking.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of novice

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

The undrafted rookie from Iowa easily beat out veteran Jake Moody in training camp.

— Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The best part of the fall is almost here, bringing in rookies, underdogs, defending Super Bowl champs and even a few furry teammates to the big screens.

— Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 9 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

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“Neophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophyte. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of neophyte

noun

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