Synonyms of acolyte

acolyte

noun

ˈa-kə-ˌlīt 

as in adherent

one who follows the opinions or teachings of another

a highly influential economist whose acolytes can be found at many major universities

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of acolyte

Next door, the Bob Dylan Center houses the massive archive of the Nobel-winning singer-songwriter, who was Guthrie’s biggest acolyte. — Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026

Among those acolytes is Lucien (Jérémy Gillet), a reedy, repressed young virgin who yearns to be part of the gay community but hasn’t the courage to come out to his domineering mother Christine (Elisabeth Wiener), who also just happens to be the country’s very right-wing health minister. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 May 2026

In between footage from shows on her most recent tour, there are interviews with acolytes about their connection to Eilish’s music. — Angela Watercutter, Wired News, 8 May 2026

In May, Jenna Lyons will bring a group of acolytes to Milan, while food writer Rebekah Peppler will lead a culinary tour of the French Riviera. — Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 6 May 2026

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