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
The pope’s interpretation and application of Catholic social teaching significantly influence contemporary global challenges, given the Church’s substantial political presence and over 1.4 billion adherents worldwide. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 9 May 2025 According to tradition, the incumbent chooses his successor, and is then — so adherents believe — reincarnated in that person’s body. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for adherent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adherent
Adjective
  • Ford is recalling nearly 133,000 SUVs because some parts, including rear door window bars, may disconnect due to not enough adhesive, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration announced.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • The new factory is staffed by a combination of humans and robots; the latter will be tasked with moving robotaxis down the assembly line and precisely applying adhesive to the vehicles' surfaces.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.
    Judy Knotts, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • The series takes place in Judaea and Galilee in the 1st century and follows the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth and his disciples.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • But just as she’s dragged back into the spotlight, her body begins to stage a quiet, sticky rebellion into a raw, absurd, and disturbingly relatable reckoning with art, womanhood, and the sheer chaos of being human.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 July 2025
  • Mercedes has this just about right, even with optional 22-inch AMG wheels shod with sticky high-performance Pirellis, as my test car was.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • In 2023, Angel Reese’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) valuation jumped during the week of the Final Four, alongside a spike in her follower count.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • With millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok and Substack, the platform is positioned towards helping young people better understand the news, with regular free newsletters and podcasts.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Twelve apostles, 12 days of Christmas, 12 Angry Men — Henry Fonda, great guy, right?
    Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2025
  • The apostles are alarmed, but Jesus understands his destiny is coming.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The President’s supporters have expressed anger and frustration over how the Administration has handled the case in the wake of the move.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 14 July 2025
  • Ryan was the sole supporter of his family at the time of his death, per the fundraising page.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • His grandparents were Christian missionaries in Jamaica, which led to his mother rebelling against religion when she was sent to boarding school.
    Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The story of tonic water starts in the 17th century, when Jesuit missionaries in the Andes discovered what local native healers already knew: the bark of the cinchona tree had healing properties.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adherent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adherent. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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