as in followers
one who follows the opinions or teachings of another
the Flat Earth Society surely doesn't have many adherents
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Recent Examples of adherents
Critics say event ‘hijacked’ by Christian nationalism Critics say Rededicate 250 is shaping up to promote Christian nationalism — whose adherents typically believe that the United States was founded as and should be a Christian nation.
—
Peter Smith, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Scientology is a religious group shrouded in privacy that has garnered attention for its celebrity adherents, including Tom Cruise and John Travolta.
—Joe Kottke, NBC news, 3 May 2026
TikTok obsessives, wellness-culture adherents, and misinformation junkies all end up in need of care.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026
Finally, some adherents to the rocks-in-the-bottom-of-pots philosophy claim that those pieces help by keeping potting mix from falling through the pot’s drain holes.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Apr. 2026
Since then, Human Rights Watch asserted, the authorities have demolished hundreds of church buildings or the crosses atop them, prevented adherents from gathering in unofficial churches, restricted access to the Bible, and confiscated religious materials not authorized by the government.
—ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Buddhists often celebrate Vesak with processions, by visiting temples, meditating and through acts of fasting, while adherents in India may immerse themselves in the river Ganga to wash away their sins.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
The restrictions subdued Lent, Passover and Ramadan celebrations for many in some of the holiest sites for adherents of Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
—Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
And adherents of each religion want their church to be the dominant one.
—George G. Szpiro, Big Think, 9 Apr. 2026
Peter Smith, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Scientology is a religious group shrouded in privacy that has garnered attention for its celebrity adherents, including Tom Cruise and John Travolta.
—Joe Kottke, NBC news, 3 May 2026
TikTok obsessives, wellness-culture adherents, and misinformation junkies all end up in need of care.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026
Finally, some adherents to the rocks-in-the-bottom-of-pots philosophy claim that those pieces help by keeping potting mix from falling through the pot’s drain holes.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Apr. 2026
Since then, Human Rights Watch asserted, the authorities have demolished hundreds of church buildings or the crosses atop them, prevented adherents from gathering in unofficial churches, restricted access to the Bible, and confiscated religious materials not authorized by the government.
—ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Buddhists often celebrate Vesak with processions, by visiting temples, meditating and through acts of fasting, while adherents in India may immerse themselves in the river Ganga to wash away their sins.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
The restrictions subdued Lent, Passover and Ramadan celebrations for many in some of the holiest sites for adherents of Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
—Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
And adherents of each religion want their church to be the dominant one.
—George G. Szpiro, Big Think, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adherents
Noun
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His suggestion drew scores of hosannahs from followers on X, who shared his lament that the magazine had become too critical of the industry and its leaders.—
Jonathan Weber,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
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The third member of the group, Abril Rios, previewed Monday's hearing to their 126 followers on TikTok.—
Mark Osborne,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Noun
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Since releasing Mayhem, her first new LP since 2020’s Chromatica, Mother Monster has been communing with her disciples around the world on an extensive tour, which included a massive free concert at Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach last year.—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
15 May 2026
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And their patients walk out looking refreshed, not remade — faces harmonized thanks to a mentor who taught the disciples how to see.—
Tanya Akim,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Noun
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The unprecedented corruption and self-dealing in the White House and the President’s family go entirely without oversight by partisans who once complained about Hunter Biden.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
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This rhetoric is not just the thoughtless ramblings of mindless partisans.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adherents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adherents. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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