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
  • His original rolling paper brand, Lion Papers, came back from production missing a critical detail: the adhesive strip.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Getting rid of deteriorating tile would expose those in the school to asbestos through the floor’s adhesive, so the district also approved asbestos abatement to be completed this summer.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Then-Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells walked out the door to the field and started staring at his disciple.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 June 2025
  • His final highlights came with George Clinton, his most outspoken disciple, on Funkadelic’s 1981 The Electric Spanking of War Babies.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 10 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
  • Season 3, relentless in its examination of the sticky contours of Carm’s trauma, offered fewer bursts of that kind of respite.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 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
  • Longoria has been a longtime supporter of the Democratic Party and endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 election.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 1 July 2025
  • Brazilian fans make Charlotte feel like home Fluminense supporters made their presence felt from the opening whistle.
    Shane Connuck June 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 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 5 Jul. 2025.

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