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

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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 Spurs rookie Dylan Harper looked anything but a neophyte with 12 points and six rebounds, too. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 4 June 2026 The former First Lady has some things in common right now with a Maine oyster farmer and political neophyte who’s running for Senate. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 3 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 See All Example Sentences for neophyte

Recent Examples of Synonyms for neophyte

Noun

Two other newcomers, Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic, remain in the mix for the starting spot.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
The Dynamo completed a season sweep after beating the Whitecaps 1-0 at home in May on a goal by newcomer Guilherme Santos six minutes into second-half stoppage time.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

The Virginia recruit is joined by senior setters Natalie Bochantin (Milwaukee) and Malley Green (Seton Hill).

— Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Lacy, a former four-star recruit who played one season at Missouri, tops the list of eligible running backs in Dane Brugler’s early 2027 NFL Draft rankings.

— Manny Navarro, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of recruit

Noun

That level of integration not only simplifies the workflow for beginners but also creates a more efficient and consistent experience for professionals who regularly produce parts.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
Our group is so welcoming, and there are always more seasoned players willing to teach and play with beginners, like me.

— Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of beginner

Noun

The construction of the statue, completed in 1852, involved an enslaved apprentice.

— Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
During his first two years as a starter, Santori was the apprentice who carefully studied the game and developed organically under the influence of his older peers.

— Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of apprentice

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 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of neophyte

noun

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