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

Nun-novice and anti-gun violence activist Nanette, 35, has been carrying her mother’s secret for five years, not knowing whether one or both of her sisters had been entrusted with it too.

— Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Since achieving widespread fame in 2013, Rettig has overseen gatherings that have introduced thousands of novices to toad smoking.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of novice

Noun

Approaching retirement, Patrick searches with exacting standards for someone to fill his shoes, investing time in mentoring young apprentice Matteo.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
CEOs would be wise to reinvest some of the profit AI creates into apprentice-style roles that grow entry-level people fast.

— Michael Chavira, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of apprentice

Noun

And now, a beginner electronics kit has become one small part of a much larger local automation system.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026
On sale for less than $100 right now, this Abu Garcia combo combines lightweight graphite with an intense grip to offer a rod and reel that works well for beginners and advanced casters alike.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of beginner

Noun

Newbauer attempted only one pass, as did freshman Bowe Bentley, a top-100 prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle.

— Antonio Morales, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
In 2012, then-head coach Red Berenson announced the end of freshman hazing, according to news articles cited in the lawsuit.

— Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of freshman

Noun

There will also be high-profile newcomers on the small screen, though TV’s bigger focus will be on maximizing the impact of returning faves and minimizing the erosion of linear ratings.

— Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026
But newcomer Widow’s Bay, which garnered 19 noms, seems to have the late-breaking momentum.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

The undrafted rookie from Iowa easily beat out veteran Jake Moody in training camp.

— Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The best part of the fall is almost here, bringing in rookies, underdogs, defending Super Bowl champs and even a few furry teammates to the big screens.

— Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of rookie

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“Novitiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novitiate. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of novitiate

noun

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