adherent 1 of 2

as in adhesive
tending to adhere to objects upon contact the bandage is made from a mildly adherent fiber

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

adherent

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

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

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

adherents to Marxism

When might disciple be a better fit than adherent?

Although the words disciple and adherent have much in common, disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.

disciples of Gandhi

When can follower be used instead of adherent?

The meanings of follower and adherent largely overlap; however, follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

an evangelist and his followers

When is partisan a more appropriate choice than adherent?

The synonyms partisan and adherent are sometimes interchangeable, but partisan suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment.

partisans of the President

Examples 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 adherent
Adjective
With dry scalp, the flakes are likely to be whiter and smaller, and, says Dr. Gohara, since it’s not caused by an overabundance of oil, the flakes are not adherent. Lisa Bain, Good Housekeeping, 28 Feb. 2023 If the patient stops taking their medication, the specialty pharmacist is not connected to the prescribing physician and has no way of knowing if the physician stopped prescribing the drug or if the patient is non-adherent. Gary Drenik, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2022
Noun
The tablet also instructs adherents to worship on Mount Gerizim, a holy site for Samaritans, near the modern-day city of Nablus. Sarah Ventre, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024 Prominent adherents include Chubby Fish, a popular spot in Cannonborough-Elliottborough known for its raw bar and grilled wreckfish drizzled in beet butter, and Husk, an original leader in the local-seasonal movement. Lauren Mowery, AFAR Media, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adherent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adherent
Adjective
  • The uneven lengths in each cluster create a natural-looking, feathery flutter, while applying under the lash line ensures the adhesive bands stay nice and invisible.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 26 Jan. 2025
  • That price includes the quad receiver, power supply, hardware kit, two ¼ wave antennas, two BNC cables, two rack mount brackets, two BNC Bulkhead adapters, an ethernet cable, plus adhesive feet.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • And then there's Elon Musk and his Doge disciples, who reportedly include longtime associate and Boring Co. president Steve Davis.
    Dan Primack, Axios, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Unfortunately for Donald Trump and his disciples, Mother Nature—like the equally tempestuous Stormy Daniels—can’t be bought off with hush money.
    Jack Sullivan, airmail.news, 28 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The sticky oil can be applied directly to the belly and over right side of the abdomen, but holistic health enthusiasts like to soak a piece of cotton or flannel and apply heat for more intense delivery.
    Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Like other Thai cities, Chiang Rai boasts its fair share of markets and night bazaars, where visitors can browse Thai handicrafts and sample khao soi (a curry noodle soup that’s a northern specialty) and mango sticky rice at their own pace.
    Tanvi Chheda, AFAR Media, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Trump has spent years convincing his followers that he's been victimized by political targeting.
    Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The other side is dedicated to Vishnu, the god of preservation, and his followers.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Erastus Snow was an apostle from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in charge of Arizona colonization.
    Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 18 Dec. 2024
  • The other day, The Athletic’s Duncan Alexander — an analytics apostle if ever there was one — got talking with a data denier in a pub.
    Phil Hay, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Junior is the pride of Colombia’s Atlantic coast, and Rodriguez is Colombia’s star man, idolized and protected by the national team’s loyal supporters in Barranquilla.
    Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
  • What to Know As a strong supporter of Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, Poland aims to leverage its leadership position to accelerate Ukraine's integration into the EU.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • With the source of the Nile running through the city, the area attracts tourists who come to raft the river’s rapids and bungee jump over the water, and houses international charity organizations and missionaries that want to set up outside the snarled traffic of Kampala.
    Greg Presto, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
  • And thanks to another papal missionary, Augustine of Canterbury, the early Celtic church in England, adopted Roman Christian practice in the seventh century.
    Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near adherent

Cite this Entry

“Adherent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adherent. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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