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

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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

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 disciple He was drawn to the work of Carl Jung, one of Freud’s disciples and the heir apparent to his legacy until their falling out in 1913. —

Lila Shapiro, Vulture, 30 July 2024 But the catwalk, covered in a red carpet, differs significantly from Leonardo’s depiction of a table, and the number of performers does not match the 12 disciples. —

Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 29 July 2024 The girls were brought to the office, where they were reprimanded by another administrator who compared their behavior to that of Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus Christ, leading to his death by crucifixion. —

Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 17 Oct. 2024 The pastel pinks and greens on the disciples’ robes mark a departure from the depressing browns of art that came before him. —

Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disciple

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disciple

Noun

Their culture has employed parts of indigenous African traditions continuously since its first adherents were forcibly removed from Africa and brought to the southeastern United States against their will and enslaved on plantations.

Dennis Romero, NBC News, 21 Oct. 2024
Conservatives were 28% more likely to strongly support Israel, the survey found, while adherents of premillennialism, the belief in Jesus’ second coming and subsequent 1,000-year rule, were 83% more likely to support Israel.

Marc A Ramirez, USA TODAY, 11 June 2024