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 next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 In the series, certain promising disciples like Sister Theodoia and Sister Lila (Chloe Lea) are called upon to take on bigger responsibilities as the Sisterhood seeks to fend off threats and cement its position. —

Claire Fox, refinery29.com, 15 Nov. 2024 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 His disciples have kept the Ravens in contention nearly every year since. —

The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disciple

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disciple

Noun

Still, the movement has adherents who prize the Brutalist aesthetic for its honesty.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 14 Jan. 2025
David and Sheila were among England’s earliest adherents to Scientology.

— Lila Shapiro, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2025