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 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 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 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
  • The neighborhood spot known for its signature Breakwater lattes has become a pop-culture destination, with many newcomers seeking to meet Tshnieder.
    — Melody Xu, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Programs supporting newcomer students, English language learners and those seeking financial aid for postsecondary education all got boosts in the state budget.
    — Charlie Borla, Oc Register, 9 July 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • The same barbell that feels nearly impossible for a novice to pick up might be a cinch for an experienced lifter.
    — Jennifer Heimlich, Time, 6 July 2026
  • For novice growers, Barthel likes to emphasize that cannabis is hardy and fast-growing like a weed.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • Nussmeier is the second high-profile Dallas-Fort Worth recruit to be denied an appeal Thursday, as North Crowley five-star John Meredith III, a Texas pledge, was also not granted eligibility.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
  • The size of recruit classes are dictated by the department’s annual budget, which is approved by the City Council before each fiscal year.
    — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of recruit
Noun
  • This fun, beginner-friendly class teaches the fundamentals of Texas Hold’em, giving you the confidence to join a friendly game.
    — Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • The app is especially well suited for beginners, busy professionals and anyone who feels overwhelmed by more complex budgeting systems.
    — Catherine Collins, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • Across all trades Pennsylvania infamously requires four journeymen per apprentice, as do Maryland and New Jersey.
    — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Guests will hear the shuffle of San Francisco outside the windows, phones ringing, and the lingering voices of apprentices or other clients.
    — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • The 24-year-old rookie is making the fourth start of his career.
    — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • Natera, a rookie left-hander, had five strikeouts in two perfect innings for his first career win.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • Solak, a second baseman who was coached by Chiappetta on Naperville North’s freshman team, made his major league debut with the Texas Rangers in 2019 and has since played in 263 games for five teams.
    — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • The 19-year-old made 15 starts and played in all 18 games as a University of Pittsburgh freshman last fall.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 9 July 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 12 Jul. 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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