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

Despite being an expert in her craft, Godshalk communicated the principles of floral design to her students in a way that was easy for novices to digest.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026
Sid Vicious, six months before his debut as the Sex Pistols’ new bassist, was most assuredly a novice on the drums.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of novice

Noun

At a beginner’s mahjong night at a local bar, tables largely full of young professionals engaged in friendly competition over Hong Kong-style sets as Chang emceed over a microphone.

— Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
Then be sure to read our roundups of the best telescope deals, along with our beginner's guide to observing the night sky with a manual telescope.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of beginner

Noun

Exactly 39 years after the debut of the iconic sitcom, a new sequel series hit Netflix on Thursday, blending a bunch of the beloved returning characters with a fresh class of freshmen.

— Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026
Standout freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley, who racked up 13 catches, 255 yards, four receiving touchdowns and a punt-return touchdown in his first three games with USC, was listed as doubtful.

— Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of freshman

Noun

In other news, the fair’s popular Premise sector, which focuses on unusual curatorial displays that hope to broaden our understanding of art history, is expanding this year to include 12 participating galleries, nine of them being newcomers.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 21 Sep. 2026
The proposal would also require some parents of foreign students to attend Italian language classes, part of Meloni’s push to make newcomers embrace national culture, rules and gender norms.

— Maria Grazia Murru, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

Entering the game with a shoulder injury designation, rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane dressed but did not play, leaving L’Jarius Sneed on the outside opposite Nohl Williams to start.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
Williams, after going 5-12 as a rookie, threw for a franchise-record 3,942 yards while leading the Bears to an 11-6 record and the NFC North title.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of rookie

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“Novitiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novitiate. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of novitiate

noun

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