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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After years of working in his garden, the former novice has figured out what grows well in his yard’s different spots.—
Lisa Boone,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
-
In China, OpenClaw has received a particularly fervent welcome among AI enthusiasts and novices alike.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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At the same time, Maul is also intrigued by the prospect of recruiting a new apprentice, a Jedi Padawan named Devon.—
Rafael Motamayor,
IndieWire,
6 Apr. 2026
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The character has long been replaced as Sidious' apprentice, and is now a fugitive from the Empire.—
Sean Keane,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Apple GarageBand is a powerful, beginner-friendly free DAW for Mac that makes creating, recording, and learning music easy without sacrificing essential features.—
Jamie Lendino,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Contestants range from beginners to experienced builders, offering a cross-section of skill levels that reflect how cosplay develops over time.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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One of those freshman moving in is Jocelyn Monroe, who is making a difference from the circle.—
Charles Baggarly
April 2,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
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Georgetown, led by junior center Patrick Ewing and freshman forward Reggie Williams, beats Houston 84-75 to win the NCAA championship in Seattle.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The event has grown into a staple of Atlanta's cultural calendar — a space where longtime residents and newcomers alike can celebrate what makes the city unique.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
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Cupich said the church in Chicago has seen a considerable increase in newcomers, especially young people.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This Diamondbacks rookie had a stellar debut.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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In fact, the rookie catcher has made an impressive splash through the first six games of her career, which includes the Storm’s annual five-game spring break trip to Tennessee.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Novitiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novitiate. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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