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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 What would have taken a novice lapsed coder like me hours of time struggling with physics models and code references was already in a functional, ready-to-test state with minimal effort. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 Pipes in attics, basements and crawl spaces may be exposed, and homeowners may be able to insulate these on their own, though novices might still want to leave this important job to a professional. — Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 30 Aug. 2026 Professional and novice astronomers alike are getting excited about the partial lunar eclipse. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 But for a novice, relying on AI before mastering the fundamentals creates a technical debt that leads to a lack of depth. — Jason Corso, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for novice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for novice
  1. beginner
  2. newcomer
  3. rookie
  4. apprentice
  5. freshman
Noun
  • And now, a beginner electronics kit has become one small part of a much larger local automation system.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026
  • On sale for less than $100 right now, this Abu Garcia combo combines lightweight graphite with an intense grip to offer a rod and reel that works well for beginners and advanced casters alike.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • Captain Breanna Stewart and newcomers Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese were wearing red-and-white versions of their Pumas, Nikes and Reeboks, respectively.
    — Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Douthat is the only newcomer added to the opening credits where the correspondents introduce themselves on camera.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • Swift makes a meta appearance as an unnamed rookie on the team with her sidekick Olivia Benson (cat).
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Wilson threw for 115 yards and a touchdown when challenging the rookie, and that included setting up a crucial first-half touchdown pass to David Moore against Igbinoghene’s coverage.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • Approaching retirement, Patrick searches with exacting standards for someone to fill his shoes, investing time in mentoring young apprentice Matteo.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
  • CEOs would be wise to reinvest some of the profit AI creates into apprentice-style roles that grow entry-level people fast.
    — Michael Chavira, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • Newbauer attempted only one pass, as did freshman Bowe Bentley, a top-100 prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • In 2012, then-head coach Red Berenson announced the end of freshman hazing, according to news articles cited in the lawsuit.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 2026.

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