neophytes

noun

plural of neophyte
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

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
  1. newcomers
  2. novices
  3. recruits
  4. beginners
  5. freshmen
  6. apprentices
  7. rookies
Noun
  • One of our favorite newcomers is Saie, which has just launched an edit of SuperSuede eye shadows in 11 delicious individual autumnal shades.
    — Elle Turner, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026
  • These wild swings in the numbers came while residents here didn’t notice any change to the slow but steady arrival of newcomers in dilapidated coaches.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of newcomers
Noun
  • 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
  • The music industry has been wrestling with the pros and cons of the new technology that allows musical novices to create professional-sounding songs in seconds.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of novices
Noun
  • And whenever this season ends, even if that’s after a 16-game run to the national championship game, this crop of recruits might play the least of any Freeman first-year haul.
    — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • See top recruits, productive returners, underrated gems and more.
    — Charles Baggarly August 26, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of recruits
Noun
  • That level of integration not only simplifies the workflow for beginners but also creates a more efficient and consistent experience for professionals who regularly produce parts.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Our group is so welcoming, and there are always more seasoned players willing to teach and play with beginners, like me.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginners
Noun
  • In the next few weeks, hundreds of thousands of freshmen, many of them arriving without any family history of college at all, will decide whether to walk into a fraternity event or skip it.
    — Todd Buchanan, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Somourian Wingo has been the most tantalizing of the freshmen receivers and might have the highest ceiling of the four.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of freshmen
Noun
  • His opportunity came through the new DC Tech Hub, where Accenture welcomed a cohort of 50 cybersecurity apprentices.
    — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
  • With the money, the museum is able to sustain, among other things, an internship program for teaching apprentices and a speaker series.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprentices
Noun
  • Miami’s current group of eight relievers includes righties Calvin Faucher, Michael Petersen, Tyler Zuber, Vodnik and rookies Josh Ekness and Jack Ralston plus lefties Fulton and Monteverde.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • As rookies in 2022, Mike LaFleur was a first-time play caller from the Kyle Shanahan tree devoted wholly to his scheme.
    — Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of rookies

Browse Nearby Words

neophyte
neophytes
neoplasm
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Cite this Entry

“Neophytes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophytes. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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