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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of acolytes
Voters rejected Maduro and his acolytes in July 2024, with close to 70 percent of the vote going to González, and indirectly Machado.
—
Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
The event was co-opted as a starring vehicle for the president with acolytes as co-stars.
—Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Seeking religious freedom, Lee fled England with a small group of acolytes in 1774.
—Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, 26 Dec. 2025
In the course of ordinary events, a novelist expects, however grudgingly, to compete with rivals, even acolytes.
—Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025
Similarly, one or two wild-eyed acolytes can get a movie nominated.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
Proxies and acolytes are deployed to the networks to underscore the strength of the president’s stance while subtly watering down threats and reassuring investors.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
Jennifer Lawrence and Anya Taylor-Joy, two longstanding Dior acolytes, supported Jonathan Anderson at his first womenswear show.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025
But Kirk’s acolytes seem more interested in a game of gotcha than true, honest discourse.
—Andrea Williams, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Oct. 2025
Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
The event was co-opted as a starring vehicle for the president with acolytes as co-stars.
—Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Seeking religious freedom, Lee fled England with a small group of acolytes in 1774.
—Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, 26 Dec. 2025
In the course of ordinary events, a novelist expects, however grudgingly, to compete with rivals, even acolytes.
—Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025
Similarly, one or two wild-eyed acolytes can get a movie nominated.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
Proxies and acolytes are deployed to the networks to underscore the strength of the president’s stance while subtly watering down threats and reassuring investors.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
Jennifer Lawrence and Anya Taylor-Joy, two longstanding Dior acolytes, supported Jonathan Anderson at his first womenswear show.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025
But Kirk’s acolytes seem more interested in a game of gotcha than true, honest discourse.
—Andrea Williams, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acolytes
Noun
-
To symbolize this united centrist front, adherents of The Change fly American flags that have been reconfigured to place the field of stars smack in the middle of the stripes.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Oct. 2025
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Academics cite Wallace’s story as one of the catalysts behind a fringe concept that has spread among adherents to the Make America Healthy Again, or MAHA, movement and is gaining traction at the highest levels of the federal government.—
Stephanie Armour,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
As her own beliefs begin to take idiosyncratic shape, Lee begins to engage a few followers.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
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Her followers got a better look at her spacious kitchen's wooden cabinetry and light fixtures behind them.—
Marina Watts,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Several teams throughout the league have searched for disciples of the Shanahan scheme to run their offenses, while several are running versions of a defense that Fangio has perfected.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The son of a carpenter, Jesus became a rabbi, later taught disciples and performed miracles.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
25 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Acolytes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acolytes. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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