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
Its adherents numbered in the tens of thousands in 2018 and surged to millions by 2020. Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 17 May 2025 She was born in Kremenchuk, Ukraine, and left Russia with many other adherents of Hasidism on the famous escape trains to Poland. Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adherent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adherent
Adjective
  • The affected product, the fresh cut cucumber, was packaged in a clear circular plastic container with a clear lid and white adhesive label, with the code 00262969000006 and dated up to May 24, 2025.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • Unlike apparel factories, footwear factories may use 200 or more manufacturing processes, from molding to adhesive application and high-temperature assembly, so optimizing those activities to use less energy, and cleaner energy, is important, Polk said.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Schmidt is said to be possessed by four entities that announce themselves as Beelzebub, betraying disciple Judas, Schmidt's abusive father Jacob and Mina (Jacob's lover and Schmidt's aunt).
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 8 June 2025
  • During the past few years, Cyrus has settled into a new kind of purpose, as a devoted disciple of a more old-fashioned kind of fame.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Neanderthals made and used wooden spears, cared for their fellow community members, made sticky tar and other adhesives, and butchered massive elephants, among other feats.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 June 2025
  • The unique gel texture sets into a lightweight veil that feels comfortable and stays put, so there’s no pillow staining or sticky residue.
    Marie Lodi, Allure, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • In her Instagram post, Maria Carolina warned her 173,000 followers to be careful when out on the road.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
  • There, Rowling posts several times a day in support of gender fundamentalism to her 14 million-plus followers, frequently trading barbs with commenters—even fracturing her relationship with Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint—while toasting her own personal successes.
    Matt Craig, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Under current Catholic doctrine, only men may become priests, based on the belief that Jesus chose male apostles.
    Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
  • Paprocki said he was struck by Pope Francis’ joy and reflected that the pontiff spoke to Paprocki and the other bishops with him not as a boss, but as a fellow apostle tasked with the same mission all priests have — to passionately advance their faith.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Pachuca is roughly 60 miles (90km) north east of Mexico City in the neighbouring state of Hidalgo, but the two sides that its football club’s supporters loathe the most are located in the capital — Club America and Cruz Azul.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 8 June 2025
  • Cyrus' supporters came to her defense after videos of the moment went viral on social media.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • It was started by missionaries Arthur and Laura Carson, who came over in the late 1800s.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2025
  • Pius was known for promoting the work of missionaries, and in 1923 sent a call out to orders worldwide to gather evidence of the church’s vast reach.
    Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adherent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adherent. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

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