PARTISAN Synonyms: 178 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of partisan are adherent , disciple , and follower . While all these words mean "one who gives full loyalty and support to another," partisan suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment. // partisans of the President

Q: When could 'adherent' be used to replace 'partisan'?

The synonyms adherent and partisan are sometimes interchangeable, but adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment. // adherents to Marxism

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

While the synonyms disciple and partisan are close in meaning, 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 'partisan'?

Although the words follower and partisan have much in common, follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another. // an evangelist and his followers

partisan 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of partisan next

as in partial

inclined to favor one side over another a shamelessly partisan reporter covering the primary campaign

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

partisan

2 of 2

noun

ˈpär-tə-zən

variants also partizan

as in adherent

one who follows the opinions or teachings of another partisans of the charismatic leader refuse to tolerate any criticism of him at all

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in crusader

one who is intensely or excessively devoted to a cause a partisan of the revolution who was even willing to give her life for it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sectarian

one who stubbornly or intolerantly adheres to his or her own opinions and prejudices she's too much of a political partisan to ever concede that the other side might have a valid point

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

partisans of the President

When could adherent be used to replace partisan?

The synonyms adherent and partisan are sometimes interchangeable, but adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment.

adherents to Marxism

When might disciple be a better fit than partisan?

While the synonyms disciple and partisan are close in meaning, disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.

disciples of Gandhi

When can follower be used instead of partisan?

Although the words follower and partisan have much in common, follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

an evangelist and his followers

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 partisan

Adjective

While the bill passed easily, disaster aid, which is usually routinely approved, has become a subject of fierce partisan debate as California confronts disasters scientists say are intensified by climate change. —

David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025 For Darren Linvill, who co-leads Clemson University's Media Forensics Hub, concerns about partisan pressure on research have been growing for years. —

Lisa Hagen, NPR, 24 Jan. 2025

Noun

Like today, partisans were divided over what colleges should teach. —

Johann Neem / Made By History, TIME, 2 Jan. 2025 This is particularly true in recent years, when partisans' views of crime have tended to change based on the party of the president. —

George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for partisan

Recent Examples of Synonyms for partisan

Adjective

If Vonn’s implant does loosen, doctors can fix it, with either another partial or full knee replacement.

— Peggy Shinn, Outside Online, 31 Jan. 2025
That led to the federal judge’s temporary, partial block of the plans to freeze aid.

— Karina Tsui, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025