as in adherents
one who follows the opinions or teachings of another
a highly influential economist whose acolytes can be found at many major universities
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Recent Examples of acolytes
Consequently, there was no hidden trove of economic liberty that Lynn’s acolytes could unlock with more determined regulation.
—
Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
Or would the attendees be acolytes hungry for an influencer’s attention?
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 26 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 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
Tamaki went on to open his own joint in 2018 in Tokyo, and acolytes have been raving about his creations ever since.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 May 2026
Both of you have acolytes, respectively.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Part of what makes the festival unique is the community that has been coming to it religiously for years, absent any premieres or red carpets, and many of them film writer acolytes of Roger who met or were invited after first engaging with Roger through his blog.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
Fuentes needed a name for this group of acolytes who showed up at Kirk’s events.
—Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
Or would the attendees be acolytes hungry for an influencer’s attention?
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 26 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 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
Tamaki went on to open his own joint in 2018 in Tokyo, and acolytes have been raving about his creations ever since.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 May 2026
Both of you have acolytes, respectively.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Part of what makes the festival unique is the community that has been coming to it religiously for years, absent any premieres or red carpets, and many of them film writer acolytes of Roger who met or were invited after first engaging with Roger through his blog.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
Fuentes needed a name for this group of acolytes who showed up at Kirk’s events.
—Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acolytes
Noun
-
Its adherents promote terrorism and sabotage to incite a race war and to bring about social collapse.—
Odette Yousef,
NPR,
27 May 2026
-
And most of today’s Esperanto adherents are neither naïve nor even particularly batty.—
Katie Thornton,
Harpers Magazine,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
The series, produced by Miraculous Corp, the joint venture between Mediawan and ZAG, is broadcast in more than 150 territories and has amassed over 60 million followers across social media platforms.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
2 June 2026
-
What may not be as familiar is Smith’s consistently upbeat attitude in the midst of chaos, capturing it all for her followers on Instagram and YouTube as The Unlikely Countrywoman.—
Caroline Utz,
The Spruce,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Hijras often seek out a guru, an older and more experienced hijra, to become their chelas, or disciples.—
Charles Preston,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
28 May 2026
-
Other Lynn disciples poured into the ranks.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
26 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Acolytes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acolytes. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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