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

Fresno is emerging as an unexpected draw for younger residents priced out of coastal hubs, with affordable homes and jobs — but newcomers are pushing up rents and prices.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
So while remixing one’s own work of the past may be a cool curio for serious fans, collaboration among genre titans and newcomers could be the real key to getting rap back in the conversation and on the charts.

— Michael Saponara, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of newcomers

Noun

The sizable number of offerings in every box can help bean novices get acquainted with new products and strengthen their bond with favorites.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Sep. 2026
Despite being an expert in her craft, Godshalk communicated the principles of floral design to her students in a way that was easy for novices to digest.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of novices

Noun

Around 72% of managers plan to boost pay for recruits with relevant AI skills, and 42% say that knowledge commands a greater surcharge than other technical skills.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Wilkerson was one of the dozens of recruits to take in the Horned Frogs’ top-10 showdown with the Cougars.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of recruits

Noun

On ordinary days, the loop is a training ground for runners and cyclists, and an unusually forgiving place for beginners and families.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
Generally, racehorses aren’t suitable for young children or beginners, and owners must have the space and wherewithal to feed and care for them, which can cost thousands of dollars a year.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of beginners

Noun

Other college freshmen might be outside soaking up the nice weather on this sunny September day.

— Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
The College of Literature, Science and the Arts is the largest at the public university, with about 3,500 freshmen enrolled yearly, just less than half of the total class.

— Dan Simmons, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of freshmen

Noun

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
The new funding will allow the school to add 16 apprentices, for a total of 51 trainees.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of apprentices

Noun

Edge Josh Uche relayed something similar, explaining that Rodriguez remains the unwavered through it all, a rarity among rookies.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
And his rookies, even the potentially franchise-altering kind, will wear embarrassing backpacks.

— Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 3 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of neophytes

noun

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