Synonyms of adherent

adherent 1 of 2

adjective

as in adhesive

tending to adhere to objects upon contact

the bandage is made from a mildly adherent fiber

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adhesive
• sticky
• tenacious
• gummy
• glutinous
• tacky
• viscid
• viscous
• clingy
• gluey
• gelatinous
• gooey
• syrupy
• ropy
• tarry
• pitchy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonviscous
• nonadhesive

adherent

2 of 2

noun

ad-ˈhir-ənt 

as in follower

one who follows the opinions or teachings of another

the Flat Earth Society surely doesn't have many adherents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word adherent different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of adherent are disciple, follower, and partisan. While all these words mean "one who gives full loyalty and support to another," adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment.

adherents to Marxism

When might disciple be a better fit than adherent?

Although the words disciple and adherent have much in common, disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.

disciples of Gandhi

When can follower be used instead of adherent?

The meanings of follower and adherent largely overlap; however, follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

an evangelist and his followers

When is partisan a more appropriate choice than adherent?

The synonyms partisan and adherent are sometimes interchangeable, but partisan suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment.

partisans of the President

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of adherent

Adjective

For example, in the HIV disease area, patients on single tablet regimens are more adherent and persistent than those on multiple tablet treatments. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

Researchers separated out a group of patients who took their medication for at least a full 120 days, to make sure the difference couldn’t be chalked up to one group being more adherent than the other. —Isabella Cueto, STAT, 22 May 2024

Noun

Many adherents to the FIRE movement — short for financial independence, retire early — aim to save a large portion of their income in order to build a big enough investment portfolio to withdraw from in perpetuity. —Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025

This meant adherents turned away from theology and instead focused on disparate ideological and political threats. —Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025