ADHERENT Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adherent 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of adherent

as in adhesive

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Far too much coverage of declining trust in science — particularly the anti-vaccine movement — is predicated on the assumption that its adherents are either stupid or crazy. — Rick Berke, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026 In the warmer months, old money adherents lean toward milky white polishes and pink pearl nails. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adherent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adherent

Adjective

This adhesive base allows the material to stick directly onto host surfaces.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Convincing urban commuters to trust their safety to an adhesive joint requires more than just theories though.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of adhesive

Noun

Aunty Joy, as she is affectionately called by her followers, which include people in the Australian government, is an Indigenous Australian and Senior Wurundjeri elder of the Kulin Alliance, Victoria.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026
In his announcement statement, the mayor pointed to Cohen’s over 700,000 followers across social media.

— Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of follower

Adjective

The latest data ramp up pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates next week, a move that could lift mortgage and auto loan costs as core inflation proves sticky.

— Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
The pair are tasked with bringing public spending and borrowing under control, with sticky inflation, elevated government borrowing costs and lackluster economic growth adding to the urgency of balancing the books.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of sticky

Noun

Jesus and his disciples encountered many instances of chaos but remained untouched by them.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Aug. 2026
The show lures corporate sponsors to the marketing mecca, where brands hope to convert experience seekers into true believers, eventually disciples.

— Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of disciple

Noun

Harald paid tribute to the Norwegian partisans who had fought alongside the Soviets during World War II, helping to restore the memory of a segment of the population that had long been marginalized in the official narrative of the war.

— Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
This week’s Pollwatcher answers a reader’s question about how polls select respondents and highlights how partisans in one state have flipped on a Democratic senator.

— Scott Clement, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of partisan

Noun

Footage circulating on social media appears to show a confrontation unfolding on the sidelines in the 73rd minute when Bielik was attempting to retrieve a ball that was thrown back into play by a young Portsmouth supporter.

— Sam Joseph, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Clancy’s supporters were divided, some holding out hope the Commonwealth’s highest court would intervene and others coming to accept what would end up being the inescapable conclusion.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of supporter

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“Adherent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adherent. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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