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

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 follower Rogan’s podcast has more than 14 million followers, according to Spotify data released earlier this year. —

Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024 After encouraging followers to check out Jones’ autobiography and Netflix documentary, Legend celebrated the late composer's lasting legacy. —

Shania Russell, EW.com, 4 Nov. 2024 Blomdahl moved to Svalbard in 2015 and documents her unique life to millions of fascinated social media followers. —

Yahya Salem, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024 Many followers asked about the scar on his face, which led her to post a video explaining the reason for his love line. —

Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for follower

Recent Examples of Synonyms for follower

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