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

Pelicans assistant James Borrego, a former Hornets head coach and Popovich disciple, was another target. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 28 July 2025

His forgetfulness and erratic behavior alarm his disciple. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 July 2025

No new president, whether a Democrat, a more traditional Republican, or a Trump disciple, will have the option of returning to the familiar approaches of the post–Cold War era. —Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

For weeks, Trump's disciples have ratcheted up attacks on Powell as the Fed holds interest rates steady amid uncertainty tied to the president's contentious tariff plan. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 21 July 2025