NEOPHYTES Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

neophytes

noun

plural of neophyte

as in newcomers

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

as in novices

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 neophytes The mission lands, though theoretically earmarked for former neophytes, always seemed to end up in the pockets of Mexican-Spanish Californios. — Literary Hub, 29 July 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 Compared with New York, San Antonio is led by neophytes. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 3 June 2026 Luckily for neophytes, the menu offers easy-to-understand tasting notes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026 This is a lovely film that will appeal to Bernstein’s most ardent fans, while warmly inviting neophytes into his world. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2026 Perhaps the thing that did catch the Penguins off guard was the way Philadelphia's playoff neophytes hardly seemed intimidated by the stage or the opponent. — CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for neophytes

Noun

In the second half, the Charlotte Hornets’ newcomers made their own big impact.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026
Privacy concerns The very same design elements that make Muse so appealing to AI newcomers are also raising privacy concerns.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of newcomers

Noun

The political novices were able to rally the nation behind a simple message against corruption and state capture.

— Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
To capture some of that essence, Guitar Center is trying to make its stores a place to hang out for novices and pros alike.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of novices

Noun

The report concludes that Russia violated the recruits’ fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, freedom, health, and to be treated humanely.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Never mind the rows of recruits at Saturday’s victory, and forget for a moment about the fans who are slowly finding their way back to the Rose Bowl for Bruins football games.

— Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of recruits

Noun

Ski Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the hardest mountains in North America, with only 10 percent of its terrain meant for beginners.

— Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
The rock climbing section offers 10 lanes of varying heights, with plenty of handholds and footholds for beginners.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of beginners

Noun

Like most true freshmen, Wayne saw sparse playing time at James Madison, appearing in eight games as a running back and seeing snaps on special teams.

— Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Georgia can count Lonon among the freshmen who are already playing winning football for the Bulldogs.

— Connor Riley, AJC.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of freshmen

Noun

Built with the help of his apprentices, the complex was designed to blend into the surrounding Sonoran Desert, using local stone in a construction style known as desert masonry.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2026
For carpenters, delays and poor weather conditions can disrupt the working hours apprentices need to complete their program, causing some to quit.

— Itzel Franco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of apprentices

Noun

Considering the Jets have a roster that features comparable talent to the 2026 Dolphins, which had 15 rookies active for Sunday’s game.

— Omar Kelly October 25, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
The group is made up of 36 members including 28 veterans and eight rookies.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of rookies

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neophyte

neophytes

neoplasm

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“Neophytes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neophytes. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of neophytes

noun

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