APOSTLE Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

apostle

noun

ə-ˈpä-səl

Definition of apostle

as in proponent

a person who actively supports or favors a cause a fervent apostle of universal health care

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 apostle According to the gospels, Jesus traveled here from biblical Galilee, while the apostle Paul established a thriving church here. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 23 June 2026 Seven Mountains has brought the language of spiritual warfare and demon-fighting into the mainstream of evangelicalism, through a network of pastors who view themselves as prophets and apostles engaged in a battle against evil secular forces. — Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 Sheiner also appeared as the apostle James the Elder in George Stevens’ The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) and had a meaty turn as Guido Lorenz, cop and partner of Charles Bronson’s Det. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026 Like an Old Testament patriarch whose sins are absorbed in a greater story of redemption, America’s identity as the apostle of liberty relieves it of the excesses of introspection. — Literary Hub, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for apostle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apostle

Noun

What may be alarming to proponents of data privacy is exciting for marketers.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
Her departure follows a career shift from a respected business journalist to a proponent of conspiracy theories, particularly regarding the 2020 election.

— Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of proponent

Noun

The safest way to pay someone, consumer advocates say, is online, with a credit or debit card or electronic check.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Researchers and climate advocates have suggested that eating less meat is one way to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and benefit the environment.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of advocate

Noun

Footage circulating on social media appears to show a confrontation unfolding on the sidelines in the 73rd minute when Bielik was attempting to retrieve a ball that was thrown back into play by a young Portsmouth supporter.

— Sam Joseph, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Clancy’s supporters were divided, some holding out hope the Commonwealth’s highest court would intervene and others coming to accept what would end up being the inescapable conclusion.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of supporter

Noun

His mind didn’t go blank; rather, all the what-ifs multiplied like exponents, crowding his thoughts and rendering him unable to envision anything else.

— Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
Often categorized along with Bellow and Bernard Malamud as exponents of a particularly Jewish-American sensibility, all three were additionally masters of the American voice.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 June 2026

Definition of exponent

Browse Nearby Words

a posteriori

apostle

apostles

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Apostle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apostle. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of apostle

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on apostle

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

stigma

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes