as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity
a novitiate in the rarefied world of international diplomacy, the recently appointed ambassador is treading cautiously
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Recent Examples of novitiate
The novitiate, in this case, is Colin Smith (Harry Melling), a genial young man from the southeast London suburb of Bromley.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
Community shapes people into better versions of themselves Schloegel remembers feeling anxious at the start of his novitiate, the period of living in community with other Augustinians before taking his vows.
—Jason Derose, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
The origin story of the evil spirit Valak from The Conjuring 2, The Nun stars Taissa Farmiga (sister of Vera) as Irene, a young novitiate and clairvoyant summoned to a convent to investigate a fellow nun’s suicide.
—Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Already inquiries about becoming an Augustinian novitiate are up fivefold from last year.
—Belinda Luscombe, Time, 1 July 2025
Born and raised in Chicago, Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1981.
—Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2025
The Vatican granted her permission to leave the novitiate, and Braverman's secular life began in 1975.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
There was another case involving 2024’s Immaculate and The First Omen, and both films deal with two young American novitiates whose bodily autonomy is forcibly taken away in the most disturbing ways imaginable.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Oct. 2024
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
Community shapes people into better versions of themselves Schloegel remembers feeling anxious at the start of his novitiate, the period of living in community with other Augustinians before taking his vows.
—Jason Derose, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
The origin story of the evil spirit Valak from The Conjuring 2, The Nun stars Taissa Farmiga (sister of Vera) as Irene, a young novitiate and clairvoyant summoned to a convent to investigate a fellow nun’s suicide.
—Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Already inquiries about becoming an Augustinian novitiate are up fivefold from last year.
—Belinda Luscombe, Time, 1 July 2025
Born and raised in Chicago, Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1981.
—Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2025
The Vatican granted her permission to leave the novitiate, and Braverman's secular life began in 1975.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
There was another case involving 2024’s Immaculate and The First Omen, and both films deal with two young American novitiates whose bodily autonomy is forcibly taken away in the most disturbing ways imaginable.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for novitiate
Noun
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After years of working in his garden, the former novice has figured out what grows well in his yard’s different spots.—
Lisa Boone,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
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In China, OpenClaw has received a particularly fervent welcome among AI enthusiasts and novices alike.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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At the same time, Maul is also intrigued by the prospect of recruiting a new apprentice, a Jedi Padawan named Devon.—
Rafael Motamayor,
IndieWire,
6 Apr. 2026
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The character has long been replaced as Sidious' apprentice, and is now a fugitive from the Empire.—
Sean Keane,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Dermatologists say beginners need far fewer products than social media suggests — and the right basics can deliver real results.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
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Monstera is an easy plant to care for and is great for beginners.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Mamdani’s freshman year in office has barely started, but, as anyone who’s been a high schooler knows, four years can go by shockingly fast.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
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Upon his arrival, Trautwein signed two transfers from his former school, guard TJ Shanahan and tackle Egan Boyer, and convinced Emeka Ugorji to leave Stanford for the SEC after a promising true freshman season.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The event has grown into a staple of Atlanta's cultural calendar — a space where longtime residents and newcomers alike can celebrate what makes the city unique.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
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Cupich said the church in Chicago has seen a considerable increase in newcomers, especially young people.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Then about an hour prior to tipoff, he was deemed out, leaving the backup point guard duties mostly to rookie Sion James.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
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Kings 7-foot-1 rookie Maxime Raynaud had 17 points and eight rebounds playing on his 23rd birthday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Novitiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novitiate. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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