FOLLOWER Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'follower' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of follower are adherent , disciple , and partisan . While all these words mean "one who gives full loyalty and support to another," follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another. // an evangelist and his followers

Q: When might 'adherent' be a better fit than 'follower'?

While in some cases nearly identical to follower , adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment. // adherents to Marxism

Q: When could 'disciple' be used to replace 'follower'?

The words disciple and follower are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master. // disciples of Gandhi

Q: When is it sensible to use 'partisan' instead of 'follower'?

The synonyms partisan and follower are sometimes interchangeable, but partisan suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment. // partisans of the President

follower

noun

ˈfä-lə-wər

Definition of follower next

as in adherent

one who follows the opinions or teachings of another the followers of Gandhi have spread his philosophy of nonviolence all over the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in imitator

a person who adopts the appearance or behavior of another especially in an obvious way Brando's Method acting inspired a whole generation of mumbling followers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of follower are adherent, disciple, and partisan. While all these words mean "one who gives full loyalty and support to another," follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

an evangelist and his followers

When might adherent be a better fit than follower?

While in some cases nearly identical to follower, adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment.

adherents to Marxism

When could disciple be used to replace follower?

The words disciple and follower are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.

disciples of Gandhi

When is it sensible to use partisan instead of follower?

The synonyms partisan and follower 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 follower Trump, mindful of TikTok’s popularity, and his own 14.7 million followers on the app, finds himself on the opposite side of the argument from prominent Senate Republicans who fault TikTok’s Chinese owner for not finding a buyer before now. —

Haleluya Hadero, Twin Cities, 17 Jan. 2025 The restaurant, located around the corner from Perle on Raymond Avenue, reached out to its nearly 30,000 Instagram followers for help. —

Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025 The creator industry works because of the relationships that are built between creators and their followers. —

Rodney Mason, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 In 2017, Bell treated her Instagram followers to an extensive behind-the-scenes look at her glam session ahead of the awards show, which included face masks, butt pads and even makeup application to her cleavage. —

Luke Chinman, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for follower

Recent Examples of Synonyms for follower

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