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

The second, a runway show in February, expanded upon its connection to new money by fashioning buff male models as oligarchs and über thin female ones as their party girl acolytes. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 26 Sep. 2026

Diallo had been an acolyte of Souvi Ould Jibril Ould Cheine, a human rights leader and anti-slavery activist who died in police custody in February 2023. — Claire Galofaro, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Also figuring prominently in the proceedings is the cleric’s acolyte Alyce (Thomasin McKenzie, Jojo Rabbit), a fictional character representing the many women who took part in the movement. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

Baltimore Ravens The bet here is that former Payton acolyte Declan Doyle will be good for Lamar Jackson, and that Jesse Minter will be an instant success as a head coach. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2026

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