Definition of followernext

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

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 The flattery must forever escalate and grow more fawning, until every follower’s dignity is shorn away. David Brooks, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026 Minna is rich and pretty; Flic, her follower, is a scholarship student who mimics everything her idol does a millisecond later. Vanessa Franko, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2026 It’s grown wildly popular and amassed nearly 30,000 followers on Instagram. Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2026 Before the premiere of the show’s trailer, both Storrie and Williams had roughly 10,000 followers apiece on Instagram. Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for follower
Recent Examples of Synonyms for follower
Noun
  • Its adherents believe that on social media and in other online spaces, only a few real people create posts, comments, and images.
    Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
  • His lawyers sought a sentence of no more than 20 years, citing his troubles as the child of a church adherent.
    Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The popularity of products like Meta Ray-Bans has opened up a new market of imitators who are in an arms race to make their smart glasses as ethically dubious as possible, perhaps with a little help from AI or facial recognition software.
    Frank Landymore, Futurism, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Although Rudolph’s concrete architecture was more complex and soulful than that of many of his imitators, that difference was often overlooked.
    Anthony Paletta, Curbed, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Hippocrates and his disciples did not disbelieve in Asclepius, the god of medicine (or any other god).
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • One of Blake’s disciples was a young Welsh writer who arrived in London in the 1880s and took a job trawling through a garret full of old occult books, writing descriptions for a publisher’s catalogue.
    Hari Kunzru, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That quotation alludes to the many Proustian echoes in Bowen’s story set in an aristocratic Big House during the 1919-21 War of Independence.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
  • This hiring cycle became a monochrome echo of decades past.
    Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Follower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/follower. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on follower

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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