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

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 partisan

Adjective

What followed mirrors efforts to subvert the 2020 election with the partisan roles reversed and election meddling focused on statewide offices instead of the presidential race. —

Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 4 Dec. 2024 The tiny cushion means GOP leaders will have to achieve perfect unity among Republican lawmakers in order to pass their partisan agenda, since even a single defection would lead to a tie — 216 to 216 — which spells failure under House rules. —

Mike Lillis, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024

Noun

Fostering greater collaboration between Ukrainian forces and local partisans would also help. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 The conflicted partisans are mostly Republican voters who have big personal qualms about Trump. —

Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for partisan

Recent Examples of Synonyms for partisan

Adjective

Joining the fray for at least partial ownership of the contracts is the public, nonprofit Jackie Robinson Foundation, launched in 1973 by Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson, to perpetuate the memory of her husband.

Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
Two more partial skulls, one in New Zealand and one in Chile, later enabled scientists to confirm a brand-new species.

Lex Harvey, CNN, 10 Dec. 2024