NOVICE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

novice

noun

ˈnä-vəs

Definition of novice

as in beginner

a person who is just starting out in a field of activity a novice chess player

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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 novice Those areas were more complex and dense in the expert birders compared to the novice group, regardless of age. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 23 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 Sid Vicious, six months before his debut as the Sex Pistols’ new bassist, was most assuredly a novice on the drums. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026 What are five questions an experienced traveler would ask that a novice might miss? — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for novice

Recent Examples of Synonyms for novice

Noun

Coach Mike Brown said the program welcomes beginners and experienced runners, with an emphasis on effort and improvement.

— Donald Fountain, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
The machine handles the setup steps that usually trip up beginners.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of beginner

Noun

While Christen and Jude remained among the hottest brands to check out at showroom appointments, other names pinpointed by buyers included Hagelstam, Nomasei, Neous and the newcomers Ananyan and Kiana Ghavidel.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
But velvet ropes and VIP tiers can leave newcomers wondering whether the conversation is meant for them.

— Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

Armstrong, appearing in his first NFL game as a rookie out of Cincinnati, hauled in a catch with an athletic play over the middle for 13 yards and a first down.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026
That’s why Sieler also implored the rookies to not totally check out.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of rookie

Noun

Founding and patenting gabardine Thomas Burberry, a cloth merchant’s apprentice, established his own shop in 1856 in Basingstoke, England, then a rural town located southwest of London.

— Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 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 apprentice

Noun

Meghan Sullivan, a 20-year-old junior who has been on the team since her freshman year, has had Huettl style her hair for every game for the past three years.

— Audrey Noble, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026
The freshman, who came to USC in the spring out of Santa Margarita High, rejoined the Trojans ahead of the Penn State game while the team faced a variety of injuries to other key players on both sides of the ball.

— Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

novelty

novice

novices

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“Novice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novice. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of novice

noun

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