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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This makes these spots good for young anglers and novices as well as those with mobility challenges.
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Democrats in Maine, meanwhile, have nominated Graham Platner, a political novice whose grassroots campaign and brash communication style propelled him to a decisive victory over the state’s Democratic governor, Janet Mills, who remained on the ballot but suspended her campaign in April.
Noun
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Kieran, his young apprentice, is learning fast.
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In 1811, The Nottingham Review newspaper recorded what's believed to be the first historical mention of the fictitious Ludd character, described as a framework knitting apprentice near Leicester.
Noun
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Ticket to Ride is a beginner-friendly route-building game across a map of cities.
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From beginner builds to advanced display-worthy creations, there are deals across every price point.
Noun
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JSerra’s Ava Irwin, who earned The Register’s Orange County player of the year honor as a freshman in 2025, has enrolled at Sierra Canyon, Trailblazers athletic director Jon Ellinghouse confirmed Thursday.
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Doggett is the first freshman to win this Gatorade national award, which dates to 1986.
Noun
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But there’s no denying the global impact the newcomers had on the band, especially Nicks, who would go on to have a successful solo career as well.
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The completion of Gulf State Park’s many recreation areas, trails, and new lodge and cottages have only upped the ante for longtime visitors and newcomers.
Noun
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On Tuesday, the first round will take place as 30 rookies join the NBA.
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While first-round picks are slotted into salaries through the NBA’s rookie scale, there isn’t as much structure with second-round selections.
Cite this Entry
“Novitiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novitiate. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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