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

That changed during Family Night, when Green Bay had some of its younger players and newcomers do live tackling for approximately 10 plays late in practice.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
O’Neal joins newcomers Tony Danza, Talia Shire, Dominic Chianese, and Vincent Curatola, joining returning stars William DeMeo, Chazz Palminteri, Armand Assante, Pastore, Mario Cantone, Tony Darrow, and Chuck Zito.

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of newcomers

Noun

Studies of customer service representatives using AI assistance found that novices gained most from AI coaching suggestions, but critically, those learning effects transferred beyond specific situations.

— ByJonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Knowledgeable bartenders guide novices and obsessives alike, making an overwhelming list feel approachable rather than intimidating.

— USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 29 July 2026

Definition of novices

Noun

No, the concerts are returning because the revenue from a single full-stadium event can fund a handful of four-star recruits.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
As The Athletic reported earlier this summer, the going rate for a high-major starter is typically in the seven figures, even for recruits coming straight from high school.

— Brendan Marks, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of recruits

Noun

The activity's simplicity means beginners can start light and progress gradually, even using household items for weight.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Ryerson said the terrain itself can be as critical as instruction in helping beginners progress.

— David Caraccio Updated July 31, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of beginners

Noun

The upshot is that entering freshmen only have a few months before being bombarded by banks and banking hype is unavoidable.

— Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Beyond Lofton, the Hurricanes have two blue-chip freshmen, Israel Briggs and Gavin Mueller, who joined the team in the spring.

— Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of freshmen

Noun

City Colleges recently launched Chicago Moonshot, an apprenticeship initiative associated with the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park, where the district has committed to graduating hundreds of IT apprentices over the next five years.

— Shalin Jyotishi, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
There are currently 17 apprentices at the Winter Park facility.

— Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of apprentices

Noun

The Panthers also drafted a number of defensive rookies, led by second-rounder Lee Hunter from Texas Tech, who will get snaps in preseason.

— John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Trey Watson Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s playbook is famous for its complexity, and as a result rookies have had trouble memorizing it early in their careers.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 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 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of neophytes

noun

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