NEOPHYTE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

neophyte

noun

ˈnē-ə-ˌfīt

Definition of neophyte

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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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 For her motoring partner, Fade Ogunro, also a Dodgeball neophyte, piloting their Porsche was a matter of pride. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 11 May 2026 Stearns moved on from the former core of homegrown players, such as Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo, and acquired New York neophytes Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien and others. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Those players and Conwell, along with returning Heat neophytes Goldin, Keels, Jahmir Young and Myron Gardner, are expected to fill slots on the Heat summer roster that will be guided by assistant coach Wayne Ellington. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2026 March 13, 2026 For Gen Z neophytes and hardcore fans overseas (South Asian and Nigerian Mike zealots apparently have a lot to say on the matter), the idea of MJ/Prince ever being a rivalry is laughable. — Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for neophyte

Recent Examples of Synonyms for neophyte

Noun

In a city whose most iconic statue is a testament to its openness to newcomers, teams from Cape Verde to Paraguay to Congo found local fans and international visitors found compatriots.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Many rural areas in the Midwest had a similar share of immigrants in 1910, but newcomers to the cities tended to be from novel sources like Russia or Italy.

— Albert Sun, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

The free Apple Photos is approachable for photography novices but still powerful enough to satisfy those who want extra control.

— Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026
Authorities say five instructors, five novice tandem jumpers and the pilot died when the Pilatus PC-6 suddenly fell almost vertically near homes after leaving Nancy-Essey airfield.

— Antonin Utz, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026

Definition of novice

Noun

Currently, the recruiting cycle is in a period in which recruits haven’t been able to make campus visits.

— Gary Bedore July 2, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Four recruits have been hospitalized, according to Castro and a source with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to talk to the press.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Definition of recruit

Noun

This summer, attendance grew to more than 500, most of them beginners or amateur climbers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
The limited edition Estes Liberty Star rocket is the perfect model for the job, decked out with a blue and red styling and featuring beginner friendly assembly for an easy setup.

— Tariq Malik, Space.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of beginner

Noun

Across all trades Pennsylvania infamously requires four journeymen per apprentice, as do Maryland and New Jersey.

— Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Guests will hear the shuffle of San Francisco outside the windows, phones ringing, and the lingering voices of apprentices or other clients.

— Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2026

Definition of apprentice

Noun

Philadelphia's roster also includes rookie Labaron Philon, Dominick Barlow, Justin Edwards, Adem Bona, Jabari Walker, Dalen Terry and Johni Broome.

— Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Guardians rookie Cooper Ingle made a routine catch last night and tossed the ball into the stands.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of rookie

Noun

The pair met in English class on the first day of their freshman year.

— Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
To follow through on this commitment to affordability, the system implemented the Tuition Stability Plan in 2022, which locks in a student’s tuition and systemwide fees at their freshman-year rate for the duration of their undergraduate education.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

neophiliacs

neophyte

neophytes

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“Neophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophyte. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of neophyte

noun

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