NEOPHYTES Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

neophytes

noun

plural of neophyte

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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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

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 neophytes The mission lands, though theoretically earmarked for former neophytes, always seemed to end up in the pockets of Mexican-Spanish Californios. — Literary Hub, 29 July 2026 Stearns moved on from the former core of homegrown players, such as Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo, and acquired New York neophytes Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien and others. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Those players and Conwell, along with returning Heat neophytes Goldin, Keels, Jahmir Young and Myron Gardner, are expected to fill slots on the Heat summer roster that will be guided by assistant coach Wayne Ellington. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2026 March 13, 2026 For Gen Z neophytes and hardcore fans overseas (South Asian and Nigerian Mike zealots apparently have a lot to say on the matter), the idea of MJ/Prince ever being a rivalry is laughable. — Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 7 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 This is a lovely film that will appeal to Bernstein’s most ardent fans, while warmly inviting neophytes into his world. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2026 Perhaps the thing that did catch the Penguins off guard was the way Philadelphia's playoff neophytes hardly seemed intimidated by the stage or the opponent. — CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for neophytes

Noun

Others said the campaign had a darker side and stirred up fear of newcomers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Although this weekend is light on newcomers, the fall box office is expected to heat up before September ends.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of newcomers

Noun

At that time, people overtraded and treated the market like a casino, as novices began participating more frequently.

— David Capablanca, Forbes.com, 14 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 novices

Noun

But the changes came after the early signing day for high school recruits and just before the transfer portal opened — not much time for new staffers to assess FSU’s personnel and fortify its roster.

— Matt Baker, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
In the Army, by far the Pentagon's largest service, Hispanic recruits made up nearly 27% of new soldiers last year, up from just under 20% in 2020.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of recruits

Noun

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
This pair is a smart choice for walk-to-run beginners who are looking for a budget-friendly shoe that withstands serious mileage.

— Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of beginners

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
The complaint alleges freshmen endured forced genital shaving, excessive drinking and being made to eat live fish as part of team initiation.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of freshmen

Noun

Thomas is training director for Local 395’s apprenticeship program, which has 80 apprentices this year.

— Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026
Rolle emphasized that apprentices in MDC’s programs don’t have to pay for the costs of classes or equipment thanks to state and federal grants.

— Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of apprentices

Noun

And with rookies like Mansoor Delane, Emmett Johnson, R Mason Thomas, Peter Woods and Kahlil Benson making key contributions.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
But the Mets may very well end up with two of the top three or four rookies in the National League in Oklahoma State products Nolan McLean and Carson Benge.

— Jayson Stark, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of rookies

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neophyte

neophytes

neoplasm

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“Neophytes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophytes. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of neophytes

noun

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