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
Isn't the point of ritual sacrifice for it to be performed in front of adherents to the religion as a twisted bonding experience and proof of faith in the higher power? Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025 Ultimately, this post-neoliberal ideology and its adherents did not take tradeoffs seriously enough, laboring under an illusion that previous policymakers were too beholden to economic orthodoxy to make real progress for people. Jason Furman, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adherent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adherent
Adjective
  • The model consists of an aluminum frame covered in latex, foam, straw, acrylic paint and adhesive, all attached to a metal base.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Phone grips have been around for a while, popularized by PopSockets, but the ones in this guide attach via magnets instead of an adhesive or a clamp.
    Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With dignity, but like any Christian, because the bishop of Rome is a pastor and a disciple, not a powerful man of this world.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 Apr. 2025
  • On the façade, a mural by a disciple of Diego Rivera presents visitors with a brief tour of crucial moments in Mexican history.
    Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Vionic Kimmie Sneakers $130 $60 at Amazon These Vionic sneakers have perforated suede leather uppers that provide maximum airflow to keep your feet cool on hot, sticky afternoons.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Rakestraw was excellent in training camp last year, showing a knack for the ball, sticky coverage and physicality in the run game.
    Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Creators with under 50K followers had more trust than celebrity influencers, the study found.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Last summer, beauty label Charlotte Tilbury partnered with Purdue, who counts over 51,500 followers on Instagram and 32,000 on TikTok, on video content showing off the products the runner uses in her routine.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Every Pope Listed in Order There have been 266 popes in the history of the Catholic Church, with the first one, Peter, leader of the apostles, heading the church starting in 32 A.D. The complete list of popes known to the church is as follows: 1.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
  • And some families go as far as cooking 12 fish dishes in honor of the apostles.
    Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Nevertheless, supporters are calling the Texas law a major win for the school choice movement.
    Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • Led by Pereira, Wolves’ players and staff joined hands, formed a line, walked towards their supporters and raised their hands in the air three times to initiate three loud cheers from the stands.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • An American missionary, who helps with a medical clinic near the city of Mirebalais, described to Higgins on Wednesday the aftermath of the gangs’ attack in the city, 30 miles northeast of the capital and near another border crossing with the Dominican border.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Al-Ahli was founded in 1882 by Anglican missionaries.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adherent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adherent. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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