ADHERENT Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'adherent' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of adherent are disciple , follower , and partisan . While all these words mean "one who gives full loyalty and support to another," adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment. // adherents to Marxism

Q: When might 'disciple' be a better fit than 'adherent'?

Although the words disciple and adherent have much in common, disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master. // disciples of Gandhi

Q: When can 'follower' be used instead of 'adherent'?

The meanings of follower and adherent largely overlap; however, follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another. // an evangelist and his followers

Q: When is 'partisan' a more appropriate choice than 'adherent'?

The synonyms partisan and adherent are sometimes interchangeable, but partisan suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment. // partisans of the President

adherent 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of adherent

as in adhesive

tending to adhere to objects upon contact the bandage is made from a mildly adherent fiber

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

adherent

2 of 2

noun

ad-ˈhir-ənt

as in follower

one who follows the opinions or teachings of another the Flat Earth Society surely doesn't have many adherents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word adherent different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of adherent are disciple, follower, and partisan. While all these words mean "one who gives full loyalty and support to another," adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment.

adherents to Marxism

When might disciple be a better fit than adherent?

Although the words disciple and adherent have much in common, disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.

disciples of Gandhi

When can follower be used instead of adherent?

The meanings of follower and adherent largely overlap; however, follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

an evangelist and his followers

When is partisan a more appropriate choice than adherent?

The synonyms partisan and adherent are sometimes interchangeable, but partisan suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment.

partisans of the President

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 adherent

Adjective

For example, in the HIV disease area, patients on single tablet regimens are more adherent and persistent than those on multiple tablet treatments. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 Researchers separated out a group of patients who took their medication for at least a full 120 days, to make sure the difference couldn’t be chalked up to one group being more adherent than the other. — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 22 May 2024

Noun

Far too much coverage of declining trust in science — particularly the anti-vaccine movement — is predicated on the assumption that its adherents are either stupid or crazy. — Rick Berke, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026 In the warmer months, old money adherents lean toward milky white polishes and pink pearl nails. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adherent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adherent

Adjective

This adhesive base allows the material to stick directly onto host surfaces.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Convincing urban commuters to trust their safety to an adhesive joint requires more than just theories though.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of adhesive

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

Adjective

And with oil prices showing no sign of returning to pre-Iran war levels this year, pressure is increasing on the Fed to combat that sticky inflation by raising interest rates at its next policy-setting meeting in September.

— Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
The non-sticky finish adds a subtle shine, and nourishing ingredients like mango seed oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid keep lips feeling smooth and hydrated.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sticky

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

Noun

Harald paid tribute to the Norwegian partisans who had fought alongside the Soviets during World War II, helping to restore the memory of a segment of the population that had long been marginalized in the official narrative of the war.

— Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
This week’s Pollwatcher answers a reader’s question about how polls select respondents and highlights how partisans in one state have flipped on a Democratic senator.

— Scott Clement, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of partisan

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“Adherent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adherent. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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