ADHERENT Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adherent 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of adherent next

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

ad-ˈhir-ənt

as in disciple

one who follows the opinions or teachings of another the Flat Earth Society surely doesn't have many adherents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Cooking adds calories, Carmody says, and she's got some Atkins-adherent mice to back her up. —

Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2011

Noun

Despite this, race-science adherents remained undeterred. —

Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2024 The concerns of modern wellness adherents are no less valid than their 20th-century counterparts. —

Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adherent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adherent

Adjective

Nail-on weatherstripping is best for wooden windows, while adhesive weatherstripping is easier to apply to other types of windows.

Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025
No need to trade in your whole ride—just install this wireless CarPlay display on your dashboard or windshield with the adhesive or suction-based mounts.

StackCommerce Team (Sponsored), PCMAG, 9 Jan. 2025