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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of neophytes
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
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
-
For some newcomers to community engagement around immigration, joining such action gives them a sense of purpose and usefulness.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The helmer, who has Bissau-Guinean and Senegalese origins, wrote and directed the film which stars a mix of actors and newcomers, leading with Katy Correa and D’Johé Kouadio as a mother-and-daughter duo.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
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,
4 Feb. 2026
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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
Noun
-
These events are expected to bring significant economic benefits to Athens and offer more opportunities for the Bulldogs to impress potential recruits.—
Sam Crenshaw,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Kenyan recruits who have returned to the country have given accounts of being promised skilled jobs such as electricians and plumbers.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Group of beginners, hobbyists and professionals who like to take and share photos.—
Staff Report,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The ski treadmill offers some real benefits, especially for kids and beginners.—
Blair Braverman,
Outside,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The unit welcomes a four-man freshmen class that includes five-star defensive end Rodney Dunham.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
And most years, he’d be considered one of the best one or two, three freshmen in our league.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
At one station, three apprentices showed the congresswoman paper sketches of plumbing construction designs.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 Feb. 2026
-
At one station, three apprentices showed the congresswoman paper sketches of plumbing construction designs.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Denver now has three guards occupying its two-way spots, with Simpson joining rookies Curtis Jones and Tamar Bates.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The league had offered housing to players for three years who were on minimum salary contracts as well as rookies in their first season.—
Doug Feinberg,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Neophytes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophytes. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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