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novitiate

noun

nō-ˈvi-shət How to pronounce novitiate (audio)
Definition of novitiatenext
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

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 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
  1. novice
  2. apprentice
  3. beginner
  4. freshman
  5. newcomer
  6. rookie
Noun
  • 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
Definition of novice
Noun
  • Some apprentices work hard and have relevant experience, yet the craft never fully clicks for them.
    — Matthew Darienzo, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • He was accepted as an apprentice at a design firm that specialized in interior decoration.
    — Hilton Als, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • At a beginner’s mahjong night at a local bar, tables largely full of young professionals engaged in friendly competition over Hong Kong-style sets as Chang emceed over a microphone.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Then be sure to read our roundups of the best telescope deals, along with our beginner's guide to observing the night sky with a manual telescope.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • The sophomore didn’t score during his freshman season, despite leading Florida in receiving with 512 yards.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Honor, who is going into her freshman year at Yale University this fall, posted a picture of her bed next to her desk.
    — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of freshman
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
  • Entering the game with a shoulder injury designation, rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane dressed but did not play, leaving L’Jarius Sneed on the outside opposite Nohl Williams to start.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Williams, after going 5-12 as a rookie, threw for a franchise-record 3,942 yards while leading the Bears to an 11-6 record and the NFC North title.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of rookie

Browse Nearby Words

novices
novitiate
novitiates
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Cite this Entry

“Novitiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novitiate. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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