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 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
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
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To create an elevated experience for a 1,000-plus-room property that’s consistent with its high-level service and amenities—from food options to water activities to spa experience—is a feat not for the novice hotelier.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Apr. 2026
-
As a novice pitched against a veteran, there could be only one outcome—his death.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
During the Renaissance, master painters typically employed apprentices to work alongside them as the apprentices learned their craft.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Born in 1857 in Derry Township, Pennsylvania, Hershey took an interest in candy making at age 14 and spent four years as an apprentice at a place called Royer’s Ice Cream Parlor and Garden in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.—
David P. Willis,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Instructor Jules led a beginner-friendly samba routine that included arm movements, swaying hips and traveling steps.—
Tamara Dunn,
Denver Post,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This fun, beginner-friendly class teaches the fundamentals of Texas Hold’em, giving you the confidence to join a friendly game.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Lemon was also the Trojans’ primary return man during his sophomore and junior seasons and was even used on a trick play against Oregon this season that resulted in a 24-yard touchdown pass to then-freshman Tanook Hines.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Mill Creek football coach Josh Lovelady says Caleb Downs’ rise from athletic high school freshman to first-round NFL draft pick was like a puzzle.—
Jack Leo,
AJC.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
However, unlike the first movie, the upcoming film will revolve around arch enemies Kent and Luthor working together to defeat an even more dangerous villain, Brainiac, who will be played by newcomer Lars Eidinger.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
19 Apr. 2026
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The race to fill the Porter County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat held by Republican Barb Regnitz is contested on both sides of the aisle, with two experienced county officeholders competing for the Republican ticket and two political newcomers vying for the Democratic ticket.—
Shelley Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The rookie then retired the next three batters, striking out Kyle Isbel to end it.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The award goes to one Bears rookie and one veteran player who exemplifies the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of the late Piccolo.—
Eileen T. Meslar,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Novitiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novitiate. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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