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
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
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
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
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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Phil and Renee Shafer are the owners of Cast + Clara Bell, a resource for both cast-iron novices and collectors.—
Kate Donovan,
Martha Stewart,
29 Jan. 2026
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Launched in 2019, Gotcha Matcha says its has something for matcha enthusiasts, novices and everyone in between.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Dawson's steely resolve helps anchor the series, with strong support from Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Ahsoka's reckless former apprentice Sabine and Mary Elizabeth Winstead as General Hera Syndulla.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
26 Jan. 2026
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The video is being played to a room of nine apprentice footballers aged 16 and 17 at Leyton Orient, the League One side based in east London.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This is for riders who are physically fit and advanced beginner or higher, who would enjoy moderate climbs and single-track trails.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
26 Jan. 2026
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By understanding these new dynamics and by taking an informed approach, both beginners and veterans in the gold space can better position themselves for investing success.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The former Washington Huskies star suffered ACL setbacks during his freshman year with the Indiana Hoosiers in 2018 and once again during the 2020 season.—
DJ Siddiqi,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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University of Miami basketball fans who stayed up for Wednesday’s late-night game against Stanford were treated to a thriller, as the Hurricanes wore down sensational freshman guard Ebuka Okorie and rallied late to beat the Cardinal 79-70 at the Watsco Center.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Several Icons work alongside newcomers, assisting with citizenship applications and teaching music and language classes that preserve their community's cultural heritage.—
Sharon Chin,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Morgan Stanley currently doesn't crack the top-10 list of ETF issuers, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence, and commands fewer assets in the space than newcomers such as Neos Investments, which got its start in 2022.—
Vildana Hajric Bloomberg,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Yes, the team had interest last year in Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, who went fifth to Cleveland and managed just half of a sack in 17 starts as a rookie.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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Edgecombe and Dallas Mavericks' forward Cooper Flagg are the only two rookies in the NBA averaging at least 15 points, five rebounds and four assists.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Novitiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novitiate. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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