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
  • Two other newcomers, Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic, remain in the mix for the starting spot.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Dynamo completed a season sweep after beating the Whitecaps 1-0 at home in May on a goal by newcomer Guilherme Santos six minutes into second-half stoppage time.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • The novice senator is beginning her sixth week on the job, having been appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's seat two days after his sudden death on July 11.
    — Sophia Vlahakis, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • An aurora photographer who spoke to National Geographic offered tips for novices trying to take photos of the phenomenon, including would-be photographers who only have access to a smartphone camera.
    — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • The Virginia recruit is joined by senior setters Natalie Bochantin (Milwaukee) and Malley Green (Seton Hill).
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Lacy, a former four-star recruit who played one season at Missouri, tops the list of eligible running backs in Dane Brugler’s early 2027 NFL Draft rankings.
    — Manny Navarro, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of recruit
Noun
  • That level of integration not only simplifies the workflow for beginners but also creates a more efficient and consistent experience for professionals who regularly produce parts.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Our group is so welcoming, and there are always more seasoned players willing to teach and play with beginners, like me.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 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
  • Vikings rookie cornerback Da'Veawn Armstead had a punch thrown at him by the Ravens' Keyon Martin after the two got tangled up in one-on-one drills.
    — Ren Clayton, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Domestically, the group dominated the awards circuit during their rookie year – earning the Next Generation Award at the 2026 Golden Disc Awards.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • Heintz, a recent graduate of Peters Township High School, was a freshman at PennWest California.
    — Michael Guise, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Rachal recently transferred to Notre Dame Prep of Sherman Oaks, where incoming freshman guard Zach White played.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

neophiliacs
neophyte
neophytes
See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Neophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophyte. Accessed 24 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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