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
  • Two other newcomers, Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic, remain in the mix for the starting spot.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • What is one surprising thing about the squad that newcomers wouldn’t know?
    — Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 21 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
  • Eli Zamorano, Sierra Canyon, linebacker, sophomore Zamorano is a rising sophomore who is considered among the top recruits in the 2029 class.
    — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The 2008 financial crisis, the deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression, saw the Army enlist about 80,500 active-duty recruits.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 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
  • And how much of a team’s ranking is based on program history versus the number of returning starters — or perhaps the impact of portal recruits and/or true freshmen?
    — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Had these players returned to campus, some, the NCAA noted, might have taken roster spots or at least playing time from freshmen and incoming transfers who are younger, less experienced and, in some cases, not as physically developed.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of freshmen
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of apprentices
Noun
  • Going way down the depth chart at defensive tackle, there appears to be an interesting battle between a pair of undrafted rookies.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • While Whisenhunt had another clunker, fellow rookies Bryce Eldridge and Trent Harris had impressive nights.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 19 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 24 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of neophytes for Spanish Speakers

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