acolyte

noun

ˈa-kə-ˌlīt How to pronounce acolyte (audio)
Definition of acolytenext
as in adherent
one who follows the opinions or teachings of another a highly influential economist whose acolytes can be found at many major universities

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 acolyte Now Zelenskyy has been left with no choice but to acquiesce to protesters by firing controversial general and close ally Oleksandr Syrskyi and replacing him with Mykhailo Drapatyi, a 43-year-old Fedorov acolyte. — Elliott Goat, TheWeek, 22 July 2026 But while her style remains endlessly influential, most of Birkin’s make-up-averse acolytes are more likely to be multi-hyphenate creatives than, say, investment bankers with seven figures to spare. — Olivia Allen, Vogue, 21 July 2026 As much as Kelly might be milking this attention, being subjected to such a high-level threat can arouse serious menace from the acolyte mobs. — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026 Valentina will take over the role of Columbia, the top-hatted acolyte of Luke Evans’ Frank-N-Furter initially portrayed by cast member Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, who left the show June 21. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for acolyte
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acolyte
  1. adherent
  2. follower
  3. disciple
Noun
  • Breitbart has also published an article skewering Hamilton for suggesting that adherents of other religions might get to Heaven.
    — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Its adherents believe that the relentless pursuit of maximizing individual freedom and rights has come at the cost of community, religion, and traditional norms.
    — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of adherent
Noun
  • Today, Richards has 790,000 followers on Instagram, a Sunday Times bestselling book (The Anti-Inflammatory 30-day Reset), and wellness community called Found.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Pierre’s Instagram business account for her viral Japanese milk-bread cinnamon rolls boasts over 153,000 followers.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of follower
Noun
  • The show lures corporate sponsors to the marketing mecca, where brands hope to convert experience seekers into true believers, eventually disciples.
    — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • But Govindananda says a chatbot could never provide what a guru — whether living or not — can give to the disciple.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of disciple

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acolyte
acolytes
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Cite this Entry

“Acolyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acolyte. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on acolyte

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