novice

noun

ˈnä-vəs How to pronounce novice (audio)
Definition of novicenext
as in beginner
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity a novice chess player

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 novice The quick alignment will be a boon to the novice politician, who is simultaneously planning Lindsey Graham’s funeral, serving in his seat via appointment, and launching a snap campaign. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 20 July 2026 The buyers, Jung said, are not simply novice traders chasing online hype. — Lee Ying Shan,blair Baek, CNBC, 20 July 2026 Some are tennis novices while others, like Foon, are coming off a long pause. — Lynda Lin Grigsby, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026 Haaland has become a social media phenomenon, with his own posts and memes from others turning even soccer novices into diehard fans. — Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for novice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for novice
  1. beginner
  2. newcomer
  3. rookie
  4. apprentice
  5. freshman
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
  • The property is just a five-minute walk from the Côte des Basques beach (one of the best beginner-friendly surf beaches in the city), and close to the restaurants and bars of the Beaurivage neighborhood (known locally as ‘Bibi’).
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 31 July 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • Tyler Kinley, Víctor Mederos, Danny Young, Dylan Lee and newcomer Brent Suter, respectively, combined to pitch the final six innings as the Braves ran their winning streak to eight straight and nine in a row at home.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • As share prices have soared, newcomers like Ke are pouring in.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • New York Mets rookie Jefry Yan jumped high in the air with his feet spread apart, landed on the front of the mound and then slapped the grass with his left hand while briefly going to a knee.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The rookie right-hander allowed three hits and one run with four strikeouts and a walk.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • Jagetz described tattooing as a profession that remains heavily male dominated, where apprentices are frequently expected to tolerate inappropriate behavior because obtaining a license often depends on the person training them.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Pennsylvania touts nearly 150 pre-apprenticeship programs serving 3,200 pre-apprentices.
    — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • Parson’s son Tucker passed for 2,698 yards and 34 touchdowns as a Rockmart freshman last season.
    — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • This innovative approach aims to ease the transition to college life, allowing freshmen to explore diverse subjects without the pressure of grades impacting their GPA or external transcripts.
    — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

novelty
novice
novices
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Novice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novice. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on novice

Nglish: Translation of novice for Spanish Speakers

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