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

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

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

Noun

Bankman-Fried was another EA adherent who donated hundreds of millions of dollars to causes, including AI governance research, that aligned with EA’s philanthropic priorities. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025

To watch Lipe-Smith’s Caroline cuddle in bed watching TV on her iPad, or bopping around to JoJo Siwa, or pensively finishing a Popsicle while sitting beside her grandmother at a museum, is to have the sheer malevolence of our current administration and its adherents thrown into sharp relief. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025