PARTISAN Synonyms: 178 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of partisan are adherent , disciple , and follower . While all these words mean "one who gives full loyalty and support to another," partisan suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment. // partisans of the President

Q: When could 'adherent' be used to replace 'partisan'?

The synonyms adherent and partisan are sometimes interchangeable, but adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment. // adherents to Marxism

Q: When might 'disciple' be a better fit than 'partisan'?

While the synonyms disciple and partisan are close in meaning, disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master. // disciples of Gandhi

Q: When can 'follower' be used instead of 'partisan'?

Although the words follower and partisan have much in common, follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another. // an evangelist and his followers

partisan 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of partisan next

as in partial

inclined to favor one side over another a shamelessly partisan reporter covering the primary campaign

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

partisan

2 of 2

noun

ˈpär-tə-zən

variants also partizan

as in adherent

one who follows the opinions or teachings of another partisans of the charismatic leader refuse to tolerate any criticism of him at all

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in crusader

one who is intensely or excessively devoted to a cause a partisan of the revolution who was even willing to give her life for it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sectarian

one who stubbornly or intolerantly adheres to his or her own opinions and prejudices she's too much of a political partisan to ever concede that the other side might have a valid point

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

partisans of the President

When could adherent be used to replace partisan?

The synonyms adherent and partisan are sometimes interchangeable, but adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment.

adherents to Marxism

When might disciple be a better fit than partisan?

While the synonyms disciple and partisan are close in meaning, disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.

disciples of Gandhi

When can follower be used instead of partisan?

Although the words follower and partisan have much in common, follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

an evangelist and his followers

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 partisan

Adjective

None of the highly technical projects decreed in the order are partisan, but Trump’s advisers may prefer different approaches (or timetables) to solving the problems that the order identifies. —

Eric Geller, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025 Yet, his recent annual message seeking understanding of the institution was seen as hypocritical and even partisan. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

Noun

Read: Republicans take their shot at Mueller—and narrowly miss Ratcliffe probably wouldn’t have become the director of national intelligence if not for another pro-Trump partisan, Richard Grenell. —

Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025 He’s pledged to let political appointees oversee government spending, cut back food stamps and student debt relief, and end civil service protection for government employees so they can be fired and replaced with loyal partisans. —

Peter Green, Quartz, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for partisan

Recent Examples of Synonyms for partisan

Adjective

Through testing the shorts, criminalists got a partial DNA profile for an unidentified man in May 2020, Thoemmes said.

— Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 22 Jan. 2025
During the past two years, Bieber has not toured or released new music, citing health issues, including the effects of partial paralysis caused by Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome.

— Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025