adherent 1 of 2

as in adhesive
tending to adhere to objects upon contact the bandage is made from a mildly adherent fiber

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

adherent

2 of 2

noun

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

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 adherent
Adjective
With dry scalp, the flakes are likely to be whiter and smaller, and, says Dr. Gohara, since it’s not caused by an overabundance of oil, the flakes are not adherent. Lisa Bain, Good Housekeeping, 28 Feb. 2023 If the patient stops taking their medication, the specialty pharmacist is not connected to the prescribing physician and has no way of knowing if the physician stopped prescribing the drug or if the patient is non-adherent. Gary Drenik, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2022
Noun
Here in the first city, the Catholic Church is at an extended crossroads of its own, calling for its leaders and adherents to engage in strategic planning and soul-searching of their own. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025 Even conscientious adherents to national security protocols acknowledge that classified U.S. government systems are far from convenient. Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for adherent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adherent
Adjective
  • Zoox also uses robots for specific tasks on the floor like applying adhesive for glass installation and transporting the robotaxi from station to station down the assembly line.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 18 June 2025
  • Last year, during Design Week, Davide Groppi unveiled Endless, an adhesive, conductive strip that can be applied to any kind of surface.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Like all of the work by this disciple of Mexico’s most famous architect, Luis Barragán, the design is always focused on one particular concern: the human experience of inhabiting spaces.
    Katia Contreras, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2025
  • The season will highlight pivotal moments, including the Last Supper (Jesus’ final meal with His disciples) and the Garden of Gethsemane, where He is betrayed and then arrested.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Our formulas are oxybenzone-free, water- and sweat-resistant, and designed lightweight unlike typical sport sunscreens that leave you feeling sticky or break down in the heat of competition.
    Dave Knox, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • But what really wowed us was how easily the sticky stuff washed away from the pan.
    Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • What began as an intimate connection with fans has ballooned to 7.5 million followers between Instagram and TikTok.
    Xian Horn, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Jussie Smollett proposed to boyfriend Jabari Redd this weekend, bringing the good news to his followers via social media.
    Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Popes are considered successors to St. Peter, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 8 May 2025
  • The first pope was St. Peter, the apostle of Jesus Christ.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Celta agreed to the deal despite criticism from supporters over the sale of an academy graduate who had been seen as heir apparent to Iago Aspas, 37-year-old forward who has spent a decade and a half with the club across two spells.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Most days, she was joined by a varied group of supporters—family, friends, parliamentarians, NGO representatives, and advocates from across the globe.
    Margaret Busby June 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Prevost spent two decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru and would well know those arguments.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
  • When the Catholic and Anglican churches began sending waves of missionaries to the legendary islands in the nineteenth century, their interactions with native populations produced more stories of biblical heritage, which local preachers passed down from generation to generation.
    Pete McKenzie, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adherent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adherent. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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