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

Relevance

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

Her plans include creating a ballroom, cultural and arts center where younger people can practice, newcomers can learn the history and elders can transfer their knowledge.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Even the newcomers to this season’s Bears quickly noticed a way of doing things that felt purposeful and full of zeal.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of newcomers

Noun

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
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 novices

Noun

The two girls were falsely listed as recruits for the university’s crew team, even though neither ever participated in the sport.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Murry Taylor, who jumped for twenty-seven seasons, many of them with Dow, compared the recruits to wild horses.

— M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of recruits

Noun

Yarn crafters of all skill levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced makers, the release said.

— Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Targeted at younger folks and beginners, all three promise proper dirt-bike thrills without the noise, fuel, or maintenance of an ICE motorcycle.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of beginners

Noun

Most of the time, being a twin has been indescribably wonderful for University of Miami soccer players Zoie and Kai Fontenot, freshmen from Long Beach, California, who just began their college careers together.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
To freshmen from then to now, whitewashing the rock(s) before the season has tended to create a sense of belonging and ownership.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of freshmen

Noun

The Patriots also have 11 rookies on the roster, which suggests that this is a different group.

— Chad Graff, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
The Ohio State Buckeyes led the way with 11 rookies from the 2026 Draft class on NFL rosters, followed by Texas A&M, which had 10 former Aggies make it to the league.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of neophytes

noun

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