acolyte

noun

ˈa-kə-ˌlīt How to pronounce acolyte (audio)
Definition of acolytenext
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

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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 acolyte When the dazed young woman reels off quotes from an obscure self-help book, her new acolytes take her words as gnomic wisdom. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 The park attracts Dolly acolytes from around the world and is also a major source of revenue for the region. — CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Two of her longtime video-art acolytes, David and Piper Cort, became her caregivers, inviting her to live in a trailer on their property in Massachusetts. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 Still, there’s a reason Inside the Actors Studio ran for 22 seasons and the most fervent alt-rap acolytes are constantly begging their idols to empty their hard drives. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for acolyte
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acolyte
  1. adherent
  2. follower
  3. disciple
Noun
  • Since the administration kicked off its anti-AI doomerism social media campaign, taking particular aim at EA and its adherents’ belief that AI carries a high risk of ending humanity—anti-AI sentiment seems to have grown.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
  • When brutal rationalism is challenged, especially by traditionalists, its defenders will often justify themselves by pointing to the intelligence of its adherents.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of adherent
Noun
  • Over the years, Chivayo gave away dozens of luxury cars, buses, cash and other gifts to celebrities, church leaders, sports figures, politicians and social media followers, frequently broadcasting his largesse online.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Working to help raise her two sisters, Moore became politically active in her teens, and by 1920 was a follower of Marcus Garvey.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of follower
Noun
  • One disciple of the Rosenberg school is Jeffrey Ding, a political scientist at George Washington University.
    — Chang Che, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Lebby is a disciple of Tennessee’s Josh Heupel and his up-tempo veer-and-shoot offense, which Heupel learned from former Baylor coach Art Briles.
    — PJ Green September 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of disciple

Browse Nearby Words

acmes
acolyte
acolytes
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Cite this Entry

“Acolyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acolyte. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about acolyte

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