DISCIPLE Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of disciple are adherent , follower , and partisan . While all these words mean "one who gives full loyalty and support to another," disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master. // disciples of Gandhi

Q: Where would 'adherent' be a reasonable alternative to 'disciple'?

Although the words adherent and disciple have much in common, adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment. // adherents to Marxism

Q: In what contexts can 'follower' take the place of 'disciple'?

While the synonyms follower and disciple are close in meaning, follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another. // an evangelist and his followers

Q: When can 'partisan' be used instead of 'disciple'?

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

disciple

noun

di-ˈsī-pəl

Definition of disciple

as in adherent

one who follows the opinions or teachings of another a circle of dedicated disciples who conscientiously wrote down everything the prophet said

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

Some common synonyms of disciple are adherent, follower, and partisan. While all these words mean "one who gives full loyalty and support to another," disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.

disciples of Gandhi

Where would adherent be a reasonable alternative to disciple?

Although the words adherent and disciple have much in common, adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment.

adherents to Marxism

In what contexts can follower take the place of disciple?

While the synonyms follower and disciple are close in meaning, follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

an evangelist and his followers

When can partisan be used instead of disciple?

The synonyms partisan and disciple 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 disciple This tilt toward Gloria causes the film to lose its way a bit, pulling focus from the more potentially vital mentor-disciple dynamic between Ed and the anxious, navel-gazing Meyers. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Ganni disciples might pair a leopard print dresses with chunky sneakers, or puff-sleeve blouses with track pants—both formulas that helped cement it as one of the leading forces behind CPHFW’s street style. — Kelsey Stewart, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026 Almost a century after the overthrow of the goddess Akaso and her kinfolk of local deities by the arrival of white missionaries, their disciples were stepping up to root out what was left. — Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026 Throughout the Gospels, Jesus initially conceals his identity as the Messiah from even his closest disciples. — John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disciple

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

In his first letter to the Corinthians in the New Testament, the apostle Paul describes bringing together members of the early Christian community across economic divides to share everything in common.

— Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 30 July 2026
Camino de Santiago blends history, spirituality and scenery on the route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the resting place of the apostle Saint James.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

Definition of apostle

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

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Synonyms of disciple

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