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
• gluey
• clingy
• tacky
• viscid
• viscous
• gelatinous
• gooey
• syrupy
• ropy
• ropey
• tarry
• pitchy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonviscous
• nonadhesive

adherent

2 of 2

noun

ad-ˈhir-ənt 

as in disciple

one who follows the opinions or teachings of another

the Flat Earth Society surely doesn't have many adherents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

The pope’s interpretation and application of Catholic social teaching significantly influence contemporary global challenges, given the Church’s substantial political presence and over 1.4 billion adherents worldwide. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 9 May 2025

According to tradition, the incumbent chooses his successor, and is then — so adherents believe — reincarnated in that person’s body. —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 July 2025