novice

noun

ˈnä-vəs How to pronounce novice (audio)
Definition of novicenext
as in beginner
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity a novice chess player

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 novice There’s surprisingly little ring-slinging in episode two, but the implications of John, a novice Lantern, both creating an apparently sentient construct and controlling it without the ring in his possession are pretty enormous for DC’s mythology. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026 The novice senator is beginning her sixth week on the job, having been appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's seat two days after his sudden death on July 11. — Sophia Vlahakis, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 An aurora photographer who spoke to National Geographic offered tips for novices trying to take photos of the phenomenon, including would-be photographers who only have access to a smartphone camera. — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Squarespace still uses a WYSIWYG editor, which may be more appealing to novice web builders. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for novice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for novice
  1. beginner
  2. newcomer
  3. rookie
  4. apprentice
  5. freshman
Noun
  • Yarn crafters of all skill levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced makers, the release said.
    — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is one of the best telescopes for beginner-to-intermediate stargazers who want to view deep-sky objects and appreciate assistance in manually locating the targets.
    — Paul Brett, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • Her plans include creating a ballroom, cultural and arts center where younger people can practice, newcomers can learn the history and elders can transfer their knowledge.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Amin is partnered with newcomer Drew Brees, who is fresh off his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.
    — Takashi Williams, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • Veteran Jamal Adams tore his quad in the team’s first preseason game, and undrafted rookie Jacob Thomas sprained his ankle in the final preseason game.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The Ohio State Buckeyes led the way with 11 rookies from the 2026 Draft class on NFL rosters, followed by Texas A&M, which had 10 former Aggies make it to the league.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • Rolle emphasized that apprentices in MDC’s programs don’t have to pay for the costs of classes or equipment thanks to state and federal grants.
    — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • So far, the apprentice program is a small but growing portion of that number.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • After sitting behind Dillon Gabriel for a season, Moore displayed considerable progress in 2025 and played with more poise than when he was thrust into the starting role at UCLA as a true freshman in 2023.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The majority of their starters spent the second half conversing with folks in the stands, pads long gone, while Jones took the field for his first snaps as a true freshman.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

novelty
novice
novices
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Novice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novice. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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