1
as in newcomers
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 novices
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity
a neophyte in snowboarding
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of neophytes
But that sonic democratization is a large part of Suno’s allure for neophytes, who welcome the opportunity to have AI do most — or all — of the work for them, almost instantaneously.
—
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
For its candidates in each of Hungary's 106 individual voting constituencies, Tisza has largely drawn on political neophytes locally active as entrepreneurs, doctors, economists, educators and other professionals.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
Heartland churchgoers, urban sophisticates, football neophytes—everyone got swept up in his will to win.
—Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2026
The horse's body is formed by four bright stars — the famous Great Square — one of the easiest star patterns for astronomy neophytes to trace out.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 16 Nov. 2025
The former played the role of cynosure for the neophytes of the new high society, the latter remaining the bastion of genteel estates and social exclusivity.
—JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
For its candidates in each of Hungary's 106 individual voting constituencies, Tisza has largely drawn on political neophytes locally active as entrepreneurs, doctors, economists, educators and other professionals.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
Heartland churchgoers, urban sophisticates, football neophytes—everyone got swept up in his will to win.
—Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2026
The horse's body is formed by four bright stars — the famous Great Square — one of the easiest star patterns for astronomy neophytes to trace out.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 16 Nov. 2025
The former played the role of cynosure for the neophytes of the new high society, the latter remaining the bastion of genteel estates and social exclusivity.
—JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neophytes
Noun
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The other two Democratic opponents are political newcomers.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Mar. 2026
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With 40-plus newcomers joining the roster in the offseason, coach Scott Frost wants his team to get tougher, be more disciplined and more precise.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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For seasoned cooks and kitchen novices, cookbook author and nutritionist Robin Miller takes it back to basics with great, family-friendly recipes worth making over and over again.—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
26 Mar. 2026
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Going beyond the standard pick-me-up, Gotcha Matcha uses high quality, ceremonial-grade matcha that appeals to novices and matcha enthusiasts alike.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The agency waived age limits for new recruits, relaxed its vetting process, and decreased the training period for incoming officers.—
Oriana van Praag,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
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Fudd beat out several top men’s basketball recruits to win the camp’s 3-point contest.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Contestants range from beginners to experienced builders, offering a cross-section of skill levels that reflect how cosplay develops over time.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
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So, beginners might not get perfect results on the first try.—
Maryna Holovnova,
New Atlas,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and Duke’s Cameron Boozer — potentially the top two picks in this year’s historically deep NBA draft — are both freshmen.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Both continued on from their best performances of the season to become among the six freshmen to be named to Associated Press All-America teams — Wagler the second team, Flemings the third team.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Rock stars and their equivalents in other genres often develop their craft in obscurity before being discovered; idols are apprentices, trained exhaustively by their management companies.—
Mitch Therieau,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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Still, apprentices Justin, Jeff, and Meg, told us this beats their old jobs.—
Lesley Stahl,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Jordi Fernández has spent most of this season talking about the Nets’ own rookies, their growing pains, their flashes, their timelines.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
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As more rookies come in, that could put Lardis’ and other players’ spots in the top six in jeopardy.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Neophytes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophytes. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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