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 Seeing the internet’s foremost disciple of glow meet the internet’s foremost purveyor of good lighting, though, feels quite satisfying—who else needs another excuse to update that Sephora cart? — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2026 For years, Robert Saleh and his disciples treated Cover 3 like gospel, leaving single-high safeties stranded on an island with a only a playcard and a prayer. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2026 One disciple of the Rosenberg school is Jeffrey Ding, a political scientist at George Washington University. — Chang Che, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2026 Lebby is a disciple of Tennessee’s Josh Heupel and his up-tempo veer-and-shoot offense, which Heupel learned from former Baylor coach Art Briles. — Pj Green september 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disciple

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disciple

Noun

But experts and adherents alike warn that this idea fails to reckon with how different traditions and worldviews can often contradict one another.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
And what's wild is that the Coke drinking habit has another notable adherent.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of adherent

Noun

An analysis published by NYU’s Journal of Intellectual Property & Entertainment Law discusses how younger consumers embrace dupe culture and proudly share affordable alternatives with friends and followers.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
The millennial creator, who shares personal finance advice with more than 2 million followers, is challenging the money rules younger generations have long heard from their parents and grandparents.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of follower

Noun

And now the apostles of effective altruism, with their concern for protecting as many people as possible, are in Thiel’s sights.

— David Gibson, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2026
Despite the church’s efforts, male Catholic bishops whose identities have not been publicly revealed later ordained two of the women as bishops with the aim of preserving the line of succession from Jesus’ apostles to present-day bishops.

— Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of apostle

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disciform

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disciples

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“Disciple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disciple. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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