NOVICE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

novice

noun

ˈnä-vəs

Definition of novice

as in beginner

a person who is just starting out in a field of activity a novice chess player

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 novice Some are tennis novices while others, like Foon, are coming off a long pause. — Lynda Lin Grigsby, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026 Haaland has become a social media phenomenon, with his own posts and memes from others turning even soccer novices into diehard fans. — Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 13 July 2026 The last death at San Fermin's bull runs occurred in 2009, but gorings and broken bones are common, partly due to the large number of novice bull runners and foreign tourists who join the experienced locals. — ABC News, 11 July 2026 The same barbell that feels nearly impossible for a novice to pick up might be a cinch for an experienced lifter. — Jennifer Heimlich, Time, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for novice

Recent Examples of Synonyms for novice

Noun

The activity's simplicity means beginners can start light and progress gradually, even using household items for weight.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
The property is just a five-minute walk from the Côte des Basques beach (one of the best beginner-friendly surf beaches in the city), and close to the restaurants and bars of the Beaurivage neighborhood (known locally as ‘Bibi’).

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 31 July 2026

Definition of beginner

Noun

Chris Brazzell, the rookie the Panthers were counting on to be an occasional player and deep-ball threat for Young, was carted off Wednesday with a knee injury.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Later, Royals rookie duo Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone added RBI hits.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

Definition of rookie

Noun

First introduced in The Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker’s Jedi apprentice finally made her live-action debut in season 2 of The Mandalorian, with Rosario Dawson assuming the role with cool confidence.

— Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026
With a twist of his hand, Hiddleston takes the audience back in time to meet Avianius, a teenage bronzesmith apprentice, Julia Felix, a bathhouse owner, and an unnamed Praetorian guard.

— Addie Morfoot, Variety, 22 July 2026

Definition of apprentice

Noun

For high school freshmen, that number was even lower, at just 38% meeting grade level on the English I STAAR exam.

— Samuel O’Neal July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
During the group panel discussion, Alexander was asked about Georgia coach Kirby Smart and his son Andrew, who is a rising freshman quarterback for the Spartans.

— Hunter DeLauder, AJC.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

novelty

novice

novices

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Novice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novice. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of novice

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on novice

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

mitigate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes