adherent 1 of 2

Definition of adherentnext
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
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
But it’s also evolved over time and led to the formation of some religions — like Scientology, which counts many a Hollywood celebrity among its adherents — that see extraterrestrials as good or even part of a divine plan. Krysta Fauria, Fortune, 12 June 2026 And Trump’s domineering, loutish approach to women spoke to its adherents in a way that few, if any, of his rivals could match. Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for adherent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adherent
Adjective
  • The adhesive trap under a prep table with a slicer wasn’t cleared and contained five dead roaches.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • Removing stubborn stains like adhesive residue takes persistence, especially if the remnant is aged.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • While Fed followers see Warsh’s task forces as an ambitious campaign to reevaluate nearly every part of the Fed’s policy-setting process, the harsh language the chairman previously used to describe the Fed was largely absent from his remarks last week.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 22 June 2026
  • With over 9,000 followers on Instagram, owners Jones and his wife Ana curated a strong social media presence that created a steady stream of familiar shoppers.
    Delia Rose Sauer, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • The shiny, non-sticky formula is infused with a hyaluronic acid complex, mango seed butter, and fruit extracts to keep lips feeling comfortable.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026
  • Use yellow sticky traps to monitor.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Back in his coaching career, Cruyff was one of the first managers to be obsessed with the cut of the pitch — a trait that has passed over to his disciples, most notably the exacting Pep Guardiola.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 25 June 2026
  • Christian Science teaches that the divine laws of Truth and Life, as demonstrated by Jesus and his disciples, continue to operate today as an eternal, demonstrable Science.
    Alistair Budd, Christian Science Monitor, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, partisans continued to spar over dozens of Republican bills that would allow voters to lower property taxes for homeowners by raising sales taxes on everyone.
    David Wickert, AJC.com, 23 June 2026
  • When anti-elite sentiment is bipartisan, the real swing voter becomes the disgruntled partisan.
    Will Johnson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Some fans, including Scottish supporter Rory Syme, arrived early and gathered near a shopping center by the stadium while waiting for gates to open.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
  • On Election Day, Schlossberg was campaigning out in the rain despite the concerning polls, hearing stories from passersby about their Kennedy encounters over the years and taking selfies with starstruck supporters.
    Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adherent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adherent. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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