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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Applegate was no comedy novice prior to Anchorman.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Mar. 2026
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For beginners, there are four miles of novice trails and three miles of paved trail.—
Taylor Haught,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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His background as a baker includes working as an apprentice and practicing in Corsica, Australia and San Diego before opening up his own place.—
Abby Hamblin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
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Danielle Martinelli, who danced for the company as an apprentice and later did choreography for it, remembered advice Cunningham would give.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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One of the best ways for a beginner to invest in gold is to use a gold ETF.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
10 Mar. 2026
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For beginners who want results quickly, or observers short on time, smart telescopes can be an effective solution — but creative control is mostly sacrificed.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The alleged abuse began when Romain was 14 years old and thrilled to be the only freshman member of the school’s varsity water polo team, the suit states.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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Policies requiring freshmen to live in dorms or banning children from campus can make going to college as a parent incredibly difficult and, at times, impossible.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Now, the ball belongs to Tate, with varsity newcomers in junior Jenna Manfre and freshman Savannah Jones in the mix to help out.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
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Leonardo DiCaprio is back in Oscar-ready form as a stoner former revolutionary who is left by his spirited love (Teyana Taylor) and struggles to save his daughter (fabulous newcomer Chase Infiniti) from a dastardly nemesis (Sean Penn).—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Gardner, who made seventh start of his rookie season, finished with four points, eight rebounds, two assists and three steals in 26 minutes.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
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Rochell was a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and spent his rookie season with the Los Angeles Rams (under current Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, no less).—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Novitiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novitiate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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