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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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

Stelo costs $99 a month for two 15-day sensors, along with applicators and adhesive patches to help keep the device in place.

— Lauren Chan, STAT, 8 July 2026
The thin adhesive material can be applied directly to existing windows to reduce heat gain, block ultraviolet (UV) rays, and improve indoor comfort.

— Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026

Definition of adhesive

Noun

That’s not unusual among followers of Shia Islam, whose tradition is one of outward displays of faith.

— Frederik Pleitgen, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Across the country, agitators on the left and the right are increasingly flirting with antisemitic tropes, conspiracy theories and in-jokes to bring in new followers.

— Will Carless, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Definition of follower

Adjective

What left me feeling more sticky-fingered were the gorgeous (and authentic) Asian artifacts that were placed throughout the room.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
To overcome the water’s sticky surface tension, the engineers discovered the robot must approach the surface at a steep 70-degree pitch.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026

Definition of sticky

Noun

The text is a philosophical treatise on ethics and human moral progress, and the final column revealed the name Aristocreon, a nephew and disciple of the Stoic philosopher Chrysippus.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026
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

Definition of disciple

Noun

Exhibited for the first time outside of Sarajevo, the churning Socialist Realist homage invokes Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People in figuring partisans heroically overcoming their would-be Nazi aggressors.

— Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 10 July 2026
Reynolds tracks the willingness of northern partisans—Carl Schurz, Horace Greeley, Lyman Trumbull, and even Sumner himself—to abandon that cause by the dwindling references to Jamestown and Plymouth.

— James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

Definition of partisan

Noun

To his supporters, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the steadfast, fearless leader who transcended mere politics and inspired devotion.

— Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Hundreds of supporters gathered to cheer her arrival after nearly a month and a half at sea.

— Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of supporter

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“Adherent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adherent. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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