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 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
Braverman underwent three years of training after entering the novitiate, where she was surrounded by women of all ages, some also fresh out of high school and others who joined later in life.
—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
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
Braverman underwent three years of training after entering the novitiate, where she was surrounded by women of all ages, some also fresh out of high school and others who joined later in life.
—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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Everyone from novice hikers to camping enthusiasts will find gear worth shopping, and prices start at just $24.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Sep. 2025
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Mild discomfort, however, is a very common experience of novice exercisers.—
Masha Remskar,
The Conversation,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
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First introduced in The Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker's Jedi apprentice finally made her live-action debut in season 2 of The Mandalorian, with Rosario Dawson assuming the role with cool confidence.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Sep. 2025
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See more Adrian China, a 19-year-old electrician apprentice from New Jersey, agrees.—
Marquise Francis,
NBC news,
20 Sep. 2025
Noun
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After a few tries, even beginners can pull cafe-quality espresso shots.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
29 Sep. 2025
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The true beginner might want to start with Gaia’s Garden and then make their way here.—
Catherine Habgood
September 29,
Literary Hub,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Toney, a true freshman, leads the team with 22 catches and 268 yards with one touchdown catch.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
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Would Sanders be open to throwing the freshman into the fire on the road?—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Portal exits decimated the Tar Heels’ roster, and the 70 newcomers to fill those spots have struggled early on.—
David Ubben,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
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The participants range from Hayward classics to newcomers and hidden gems.—
Linda Zavoral,
Mercury News,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Jovic, 22, has been eligible to sign a rookie-scale extension with the Heat since July 1.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
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Stout smiled and said he is challenged every week as a rookie, and the bigger the challenge, the better.—
Vic Tafur,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Novitiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novitiate. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
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