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
-
Now, the ball belongs to Tate, with varsity newcomers in junior Jenna Manfre and freshman Savannah Jones in the mix to help out.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing vie for reps with other newcomers.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
None of the skiers killed by the avalanche appear to have been novices.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
28 Feb. 2026
-
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,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In 2023, Ole Miss was the only SEC program that signed more transfers than high school recruits.—
Manny Navarro,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Many recruits joined for a similar reason to Schoep.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This gives beginners a much more forgiving platform while still letting experienced riders crank into aggressive, sharp turns.—
Omar Kardoudi
March 11,
New Atlas,
11 Mar. 2026
-
For beginners and those who love history, the famed J-bar lift runs often — a fun little experience not to be missed.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Policies requiring freshmen to live in dorms or banning children from campus can make going to college as a parent incredibly difficult and, at times, impossible.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
-
As freshmen, this group was 16-9, eliminated in the conference quarterfinals, and carried that sting ever since, winning 85 of the last 92, reaching the Final Four the last two seasons.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Unlike college students, apprentices earn money from day one when completing classroom instruction, often taking classes at night or in short blocks throughout the year.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
2 Mar. 2026
-
In 1936, construction of the performance venue was financed by local geishas and their apprentices.—
Leandra Beabout,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Dëmin ranks second among NBA rookies with 124 made 3-pointers, which is the second most by a rookie in Nets history.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
This week, one year ago, the Bengals failed to acquire starting-quality players on every level of the defense, instead making bets on struggling veterans, players making a leap or rookies.—
Paul Dehner Jr,
New York Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Neophytes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophytes. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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