NOVICE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

novice

noun

ˈnä-vəs

Definition of novice

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 Despite being an expert in her craft, Godshalk communicated the principles of floral design to her students in a way that was easy for novices to digest. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026 Sid Vicious, six months before his debut as the Sex Pistols’ new bassist, was most assuredly a novice on the drums. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026 What are five questions an experienced traveler would ask that a novice might miss? — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026 And for the novice, manual shifters came with a good deal of hill anxiety. — Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for novice

Recent Examples of Synonyms for novice

Noun

The beginner's trap is expecting the Great Square to be compact and immediately obvious.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026
The evening will start with a beginner class, followed by intermediate instruction for more experienced terpsichorean talents.

— Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of beginner

Noun

However, as Germany’s economic problems — slow growth, high inflation, rising energy prices — have worsened, public sentiment toward the newcomers has deteriorated.

— Kirsten Grieshaber, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
That combination—veteran experience and newcomer mentality—may be the key to understanding the current moment.

— Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

For carpenters, delays and poor weather conditions can disrupt the working hours apprentices need to complete their program, causing some to quit.

— Itzel Franco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
More than half of the new money will go toward the CUNY Professional Development Institute to add 30 apprentices, doubling the total enrollment to 60 trainees, according to a press release shared with the Daily News ahead of the announcement.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of apprentice

Noun

Promising freshman Olivia Vukosa, the incoming freshman from New York City’s Christ The King High, was the Big East Freshman of the Year.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Starting freshman tight end Mark Bowman was also listed as questionable on the report after catching six passes for 44 yards against Oregon and amassing the second-most receptions on the team overall with 21.

— Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

novelty

novice

novices

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Style

“Novice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novice. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of novice

noun

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