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 They were joined by a disciple of the prophet, Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari, believed to be the first pilgrim to visit the grave. — Iqbal Akhtar, The Conversation, 31 July 2026 The Super Bowl champs replaced Kubiak with another one of Shanahan’s disciples. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 Kasper has worked for Fangio in both Miami and Philadelphia, and is poised for a bigger role now that former colleague Christian Parker (another Fangio disciple) is in Dallas. — Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 21 July 2026 Ng began learning tai chi in 1989 from Master Gene Chen, a disciple of Grandmaster Feng ZhiQiang. — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for disciple

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disciple

Noun

In the warmer months, old money adherents lean toward milky white polishes and pink pearl nails.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026
Internationally, the number of Druids is unclear but estimates suggest that the number is in the tens of thousands, with adherents concentrated principally in Europe and North America.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of adherent

Noun

Beliefs and practices Modern Druidry is an open and eclectic religion, allowing for considerable variation in the beliefs and practices of its followers.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
The wording led some of Hank’s followers to accuse him of using ChatGPT.

— Matt Carlstrom, Vanity Fair, 14 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 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of disciple

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