Synonyms of follower

follower

noun

ˈfä-lə-wər 

1

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

• adherent
• disciple
• apostle
• supporter
• missionary
• devotee
• acolyte
• votary
• pupil
• admirer
• student
• partizan
• soldier
• scholar
• partisan
• convert
• fan
• advocate
• epigone
• liege man
• votarist
• worshiper
• faithful
• protégé
• loyalist
• proselytizer
• enthusiast
• worshipper
• cultist
• champion
• ideologist
• zealot
• sycophant
• idolater
• minion
• idolator
• ideologue
• flunkey
• idealogue
• sectarian
• backer
• henchman
• lackey
• camp follower
• satellite
• hanger-on
• stooge
• apparatchik
• flunkie
• yes-man
• toady
• myrmidon
• lickspittle
• flunky

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• leader
• traitor
• renegade
• defector
• apostate
• turncoat
• coryphaeus

2

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

• imitator
• echo
• wannabe
• wannabee
• rubber stamp
• copycat
• parrot
• aper
• copyist
• impressionist
• ape
• mimic
• emulator
• impersonator

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

Recent Examples of follower

Tate is a highly influential social media figure with millions of followers, many of them young men and schoolchildren drawn to his lavish online persona. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025

Waterson has more than a quarter of a million followers on X. His partner, Jess Brammar, is an editorial executive at the BBC. —Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2025

Pamela celebrated her family in the last post shared with her thousands of followers on Instagram. —Lauryn Overhultz, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025

Indian media reported that there was a bomb threat against the aircraft, and Flight Emergency, a flight-tracking account on X with more than 195,000 followers, also wrote that the diversion was due to a bomb threat. —Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025