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 The text is a philosophical treatise on ethics and human moral progress, and the final column revealed the name Aristocreon, a nephew and disciple of the Stoic philosopher Chrysippus. — ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026 Christian Science teaches that the divine laws of Truth and Life, as demonstrated by Jesus and his disciples, continue to operate today as an eternal, demonstrable Science. — Alistair Budd, Christian Science Monitor, 24 June 2026 Hamer signed up and, through her courage, charisma, and oratory, quickly drew ardent disciples and ruthless adversaries. — Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026 The architect was Robert Cika, a disciple of a disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright. — Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for disciple

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disciple

Noun

Sloganeering was the lingua franca of what adherents referred to as the Stanley Opportunity.

— Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
Baric worked closely with researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which many adherents to the lab-leak theory posit as the source of the pandemic; one contingent thinks that Baric might have been the creator of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

— Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026

Definition of adherent

Noun

Ben Crump, one of the nation’s most prominent civil rights attorneys, also shared two posts with his 1 million followers about the circumstances surrounding Juliana’s death.

— Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
In The Bacchae, Dionysus becomes violent only because his existence has been denied and his followers persecuted, and his maenads similarly become destructive only when pursued.

— Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 31 July 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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