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
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
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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At the film’s center are the lovably gruff duo Flic and Minna, played with precision and stiff-upper-lipped hilarity by newcomers Marni Duggan and Galaxie Clear respectively.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2026
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With that in mind, our 10 favorite serum foundations—from heritage labels like Chanel to clean beauty cult-favorites and indie newcomers like Outside—In—for that your skin-but-better look, backed by the pros and Vogue beauty editors.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Phil and Renee Shafer are the owners of Cast + Clara Bell, a resource for both cast-iron novices and collectors.—
Kate Donovan,
Martha Stewart,
29 Jan. 2026
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Launched in 2019, Gotcha Matcha says its has something for matcha enthusiasts, novices and everyone in between.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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While most federal agencies face budget cuts and workforce reductions, ICE is expanding—offering new recruits Wall Street-style signing bonuses and student debt forgiveness.—
Binaifer Nowrojee,
Time,
30 Jan. 2026
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With the current contact period, during which coaches can visit recruits, ending Saturday and the following period not starting until mid-April, his team was busy booking charter flights and cramming seven days' worth of visits into four or five days.—
Doug Gollan,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There’s an equestrian centre for experienced riders and beginners alike, and the option to do the most touristy of all activities, camel riding in the dunes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
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Nearby Kissing Bridge Ski Area features over 20 miles of downhill trails for beginners, experts, and parkgoers alike.—
Brian Higgins,
Outside,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The Titans are one of the youngest teams in the Big West, with six freshmen and five sophomores.—
Brian Robin,
Oc Register,
28 Jan. 2026
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Two names to watch who aren’t on this list are freshmen Jay Timmons and Jordan Thomas.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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By drawing attention to practices at their most fragile moment, the USL is creating space for those interactions — enabling masters to teach and apprentices to learn.—
Kristin Houser,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
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The pope, at this very moment, is having the fallen part of the Colosseum rebuilt; half a dozen mason’s apprentices, without any scaffolding, are righting the colossus on whose shoulders a nation, transformed into slave laborers, perished.—
Sean Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Hathaway and Adenot are both spaceflight rookies headed to orbit for the first time.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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Many of these returning medalists are favorites to make the podium once again, but plenty of Olympic rookies are in position to do so as well.—
Michelle Bruton,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Neophytes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophytes. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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