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
Relevance
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
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 neophyte
This storyline would explain why her return to the company was highlighted on the smaller (and recently canceled) Rampage instead of Dynamite, as the promotion may want to position her as someone who has forgotten her past two years in AEW, effectively starting over as a neophyte.
—
Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024
This is where the Harris and former Biden team is really supposed to make its money, in a get-out-the-vote competition with relative neophytes on the Republican side.
—W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Nov. 2024
Despite his career in medical devices, Saslow wasn’t a neophyte in sports ownership: The executive bought into the Chicago Cubs in 2015.
—Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2024
Such diplomacy would test the mettle of the Trump administration’s foreign-affairs neophytes, but the greater unknown is Putin.
—Robert David English, Foreign Affairs, 10 Mar. 2017
See All Example Sentences for neophyte
Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024
This is where the Harris and former Biden team is really supposed to make its money, in a get-out-the-vote competition with relative neophytes on the Republican side.
—W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Nov. 2024
Despite his career in medical devices, Saslow wasn’t a neophyte in sports ownership: The executive bought into the Chicago Cubs in 2015.
—Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2024
Such diplomacy would test the mettle of the Trump administration’s foreign-affairs neophytes, but the greater unknown is Putin.
—Robert David English, Foreign Affairs, 10 Mar. 2017
See All Example Sentences for neophyte
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neophyte
Noun
-
If Florida beats Norfolk State, two-time defending national champion UConn could be waiting as a No. 8 seed — the Huskies (23-10) first must beat SEC newcomer Oklahoma (20-13).—
Edgar Thompson,
Orlando Sentinel,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Improved visuals, combat, and a new story chapter entice returning fans and newcomers alike.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Despite his impressive resume that spans two Group of Seven central banks and major investment firms, Carney is a political novice.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Probationary employees aren't necessarily novices, though.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Citadel recruit Marcos Gonzales scored 20 points and Jack Weigus finished with 19 points and six rebounds to lead Brother Rice (30-6), which clinched the first state trophy in program history.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2025
-
The feat comes after blue-chip recruit Brihanna Crittendon and Riverdale Ridge won the Class 4A crown last year, the young school’s first girls team title.—
Kyle Newman,
The Denver Post,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
This bundle focuses primarily on Microsoft Excel, offering beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
-
The Colorado Women’s Intro to Mountain Biking camp, led by women instructors and coaches, is designed for beginners with little or no mountain biking experience.—
Tykesha Spivey Burton,
Essence,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
After college, Heil auditioned and was accepted into a two-year apprentice program at Ballet Austin in Texas, but when the program ended, he wasn’t hired.—
Marcia Luttrell,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2025
-
The Tallahassee Ballet, a 50-year-old institution with a professional and youth apprentice program, offers a mix of classic and contemporary ballets during the year.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The two overlapped in Miami for one season in 2018 when Johnson was the Dolphins wide receivers coach and Smythe was a rookie.—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2025
-
While the 6-foot-4, 291-pound Fiske was already expected to play a major role for the Rams as a starter during his rookie season, the 24-year-old emerged as one of the top rookies in the NFL, finishing third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.—
DJ Siddiqi,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
As a freshman, Flagg has been the best player in the nation this season averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
-
In 2016, Elizabeth was a freshman at Culleoka Unit School after being homeschooled for most of her life.—
Alex Gurley,
People.com,
15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Neophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophyte. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share