Synonyms of disciple

disciple

noun

di-ˈsī-pəl 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of disciple

There is no School of Ancelotti and no wave of disciples behind him. —The Athletic Fc Tactics Podcast, New York Times, 19 May 2025

Then-Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells walked out the door to the field and started staring at his disciple. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 June 2025

His final highlights came with George Clinton, his most outspoken disciple, on Funkadelic’s 1981 The Electric Spanking of War Babies. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 10 June 2025

On the 20th anniversary of James Dean’s death, the disciples of James Dean are reuniting in this tiny town. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 6 June 2025