DISCIPLES Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

disciples

noun

plural of disciple

as in adherents

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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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 disciples Throughout the Gospels, Jesus initially conceals his identity as the Messiah from even his closest disciples. — John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 The Super Bowl champs replaced Kubiak with another one of Shanahan’s disciples. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 Back in his coaching career, Cruyff was one of the first managers to be obsessed with the cut of the pitch — a trait that has passed over to his disciples, most notably the exacting Pep Guardiola. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 25 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 Josh O’Connor and Emily Blunt are his overwhelmed disciples, imbued with discomfiting powers that could be key to making contact with these otherworldly guests. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 10 June 2026 As her health deteriorated, Amy's disciples were led to believe her death would herald a celestial exit, Heaven's Gate-style (via UFO), paving the way for society's salvation. — James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026 Hijras often seek out a guru, an older and more experienced hijra, to become their chelas, or disciples. — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disciples

Noun

But pharmacies were banned in 2023 from dispensing these six peptides—which adherents claim deliver benefits ranging from improved endurance to reduced inflammation—over efficacy and safety concerns.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 3 Aug. 2026
These and other initiatives are focusing on secular Jews and adherents to Reform Judaism.

— Giovanna Dell'Orto, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Definition of adherents

Noun

Gastélum posted similar content on his Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube accounts, which together had more than 1 million followers.

— Rey Rodríguez, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Opening weekend audience are looking like a mix of under 35, A24 loyalists, followers of Matt Johnson and fans of Bourdain.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of followers

Noun

The ritual confers the Holy Spirit from one bishop to another and recalls Christ’s gesture to his apostles.

— Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Seven Mountains has brought the language of spiritual warfare and demon-fighting into the mainstream of evangelicalism, through a network of pastors who view themselves as prophets and apostles engaged in a battle against evil secular forces.

— Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

Definition of apostles

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“Disciples.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disciples. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of disciples

noun

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