NOVITIATE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

novitiate

noun

nō-ˈvi-shət

Definition of novitiate

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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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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for novitiate

Noun

The best rock tumbler for beginners is one that comes as a complete kit, including the rocks, so the novice has the best chance of being successful on the first try.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
While El-Sayed was ahead in many polls over Stevens, including a recent survey conducted by Emerson College, the Democratic novice is trailing in some polling against Rogers, which the GOP nominee sees as advantageous.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of novice

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

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

For high school freshmen, that number was even lower, at just 38% meeting grade level on the English I STAAR exam.

— Samuel O’Neal July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
During the group panel discussion, Alexander was asked about Georgia coach Kirby Smart and his son Andrew, who is a rising freshman quarterback for the Spartans.

— Hunter DeLauder, AJC.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of freshman

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

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“Novitiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novitiate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of novitiate

noun

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