1
as in newcomer
a person who has recently been persuaded to join a religious sect
neophytes are assigned an experienced church member to guide them through their first year
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity
a neophyte in snowboarding
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of neophyte
The former played the role of cynosure for the neophytes of the new high society, the latter remaining the bastion of genteel estates and social exclusivity.
—
JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
After penning and producing numerous songs for the likes of Ariana Grande, Post Malone and Drake as one half of The Rascals, Thomas has finally tasted success under his own name with his 2024 sophomore album, Mutt, a brilliant record that couldn’t have been made by a neophyte.
—Lori Majewski, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Despite this packed schedule, the wine industry neophyte is enjoying her time of discovery, like on this recent visit to Manhattan.
—Elizabeth Wellington, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025
The political neophyte went from relative obscurity to becoming a boldface name by keeping it real throughout his campaign.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for neophyte
JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
After penning and producing numerous songs for the likes of Ariana Grande, Post Malone and Drake as one half of The Rascals, Thomas has finally tasted success under his own name with his 2024 sophomore album, Mutt, a brilliant record that couldn’t have been made by a neophyte.
—Lori Majewski, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Despite this packed schedule, the wine industry neophyte is enjoying her time of discovery, like on this recent visit to Manhattan.
—Elizabeth Wellington, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025
The political neophyte went from relative obscurity to becoming a boldface name by keeping it real throughout his campaign.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for neophyte
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neophyte
Noun
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Greenblatt said the newcomers have also drawn much of their business from the more skilled bettors — known as sharps — who tend to be less profitable for gambling companies.—
Peyton Forte,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
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Eight candidates, most of them newcomers, are seeking six available seats on the La Jolla Community Planning Association board in its annual election.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Harper and Yasmin, who’s emerged as the series’ co-lead, started out among Pierpoint’s newest hires; by the end of Season 3, the firm had been effectively dissolved, its novice traders scattered to the winds.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
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The story of how 36-year-old novice producer Robert Evans became the head of production at Paramount in 1966 is the stuff of legend.—
Hadley Hall Meares,
Vanity Fair,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Texans want an orderly immigration system, not the fear and chaos sewn by the surge of untrained ICE recruits.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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The 5-foot-10 forward is an integral part of the Vikings’ experienced starting lineup that has been together for two seasons and is led by senior guard Lillian Barnes, a Ball State recruit.—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The trails break down to 16 percent beginner, 55 percent intermediate, and 29 percent advanced runs.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2026
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While my group of beginners played on one half of the ice, across the ice was a league game at play among club members with less than five years of experience in the sport.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The fledgling New Republic works to protect what the Rebellion fought for and turns to the legendary bounty hunter and his young apprentice for help.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
8 Feb. 2026
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An academic career beckoned back home in Dublin, but the twenty-four-year-old apprentice writer was eager to forge a more artistic path.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Three of the Celtics’ current rotation players — center Luka Garza, rookie wing Gonzalez and trade-deadline addition Nikola Vucevic — have never played with Tatum.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
10 Feb. 2026
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SpaceX's upcoming Crew-12 launch for NASA will fly a pair of veteran astronauts and a pair of rookies to the orbital lab for an extended stay.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Strong was a finalist for the Cheryl Miller Award, given to the top small forward, as a freshman in 2025.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
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Offseason turnover saw the Knights add 31 new faces to the roster, including transfers and incoming freshmen.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Neophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophyte. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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