apostle 1 of 2

noun (1)

ə-ˈpä-səl How to pronounce apostle (audio)
Definition of apostlenext
as in proponent
a person who actively supports or favors a cause a fervent apostle of universal health care

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

apostles

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural of apostle
as in proponents
a person who actively supports or favors a cause a fervent apostle of universal health care

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 apostle
Noun
According to the gospels, Jesus traveled here from biblical Galilee, while the apostle Paul established a thriving church here. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 23 June 2026 Seven Mountains has brought the language of spiritual warfare and demon-fighting into the mainstream of evangelicalism, through a network of pastors who view themselves as prophets and apostles engaged in a battle against evil secular forces. — Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
Noun
The washing of feet harkens back to how Jesus washed the feet of his apostles during the Last Supper. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026 Thursday’s liturgy recalls the foot-washing Jesus performed on his 12 apostles at The Last Supper together before he was crucified. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apostle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apostle
  1. proponent
  2. advocate
  3. supporter
  4. exponent
  5. advocator
Noun
  • Beniers is a big proponent of the player empowerment trend and believes players are well within their rights to turn down a trade or contract.
    — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • In order to secure the large number of signatures, proponents of initiatives typically hire petition management companies, according to the indictment.
    — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • The safest way to pay someone, consumer advocates say, is online, with a credit or debit card or electronic check.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Researchers and climate advocates have suggested that eating less meat is one way to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and benefit the environment.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of advocate
Noun
  • Footage circulating on social media appears to show a confrontation unfolding on the sidelines in the 73rd minute when Bielik was attempting to retrieve a ball that was thrown back into play by a young Portsmouth supporter.
    — Sam Joseph, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Clancy’s supporters were divided, some holding out hope the Commonwealth’s highest court would intervene and others coming to accept what would end up being the inescapable conclusion.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of supporter
Noun
  • His mind didn’t go blank; rather, all the what-ifs multiplied like exponents, crowding his thoughts and rendering him unable to envision anything else.
    — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
  • Often categorized along with Bellow and Bernard Malamud as exponents of a particularly Jewish-American sensibility, all three were additionally masters of the American voice.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 June 2026
Definition of exponent
Noun
  • In the leadership and care phase, your role is that of an advocator.
    — Rodney C. Adkins, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
Definition of advocator

Browse Nearby Words

a posteriori
apostle
apostles
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Cite this Entry

“Apostle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apostle. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on apostle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about apostle

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