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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonviscous
• nonadhesive

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

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

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

When brutal rationalism is challenged, especially by traditionalists, its defenders will often justify themselves by pointing to the intelligence of its adherents. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2026

Its adherents believe that the relentless pursuit of maximizing individual freedom and rights has come at the cost of community, religion, and traditional norms. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026