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 quick alignment will be a boon to the novice politician, who is simultaneously planning Lindsey Graham’s funeral, serving in his seat via appointment, and launching a snap campaign.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 20 July 2026
The buyers, Jung said, are not simply novice traders chasing online hype.

— Lee Ying Shan,Blair Baek, CNBC, 20 July 2026

Definition of novice

Noun

The tedium of the task was how the apprentice became the master.

— Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
The sad thing was that within days of becoming an apprentice, he was packed off to hospital for a cartilage operation on a knee that, 10 years later, would bring a permanent end to his career.

— Andy Mitten, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Definition of apprentice

Noun

For anyone easing in, resources such as Massachusetts General Hospital and EatingWell offer meal plans and beginner recipes.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
For anyone new to the plan, Massachusetts General Hospital and EatingWell publish sample meal plans and beginner recipes.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026

Definition of beginner

Noun

Woodring, an All-SEC honoree the past two seasons, has been the Bulldogs’ primary placekicker since the first game of his freshman season, when he was named a Lou Groza Award semifinalist.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 24 July 2026
More than 20 students, many of them freshmen, darted around the lush grounds.

— Avery Stone, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026

Definition of freshman

Noun

Charlotte has a growing reputation as a food city, and there’s no shortage of great dining options for newcomers and visitors, along with people in the know.

— Evan Moore July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Some are centuries-old grande dames; others are boutique newcomers.

— Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

Wood was a training camp standout as a rookie, but veteran experience in the room just didn’t offer any path to the roster.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
Rakestraw is just two years removed from a stellar training camp as a rookie playing nickel.

— Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of rookie

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novitiate

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“Novitiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novitiate. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of novitiate

noun

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