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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
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 Sheiner also appeared as the apostle James the Elder in George Stevens’ The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) and had a meaty turn as Guido Lorenz, cop and partner of Charles Bronson’s Det. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 18 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
  • The bill’s legislative proponents argue the measure is a win for taxpayers, citing reductions in the cost of homeownership while maintaining funding for schools and other essential services.
    — Abigail Hall, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
  • Those lawmakers pressed legislative leaders to revisit that exemption this year, and SB-954 is the resulting compromise, its proponents say.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • Yet some advocates say better air quality tracking still doesn’t do enough to address the root causes of pollution.
    — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
  • Residents, tribal leaders and advocates say the shaded, overgrown site is a vital urban refuge and cultural landscape, suing Pasadena over tree removal, excavation and potential harm to ancestral remains.
    — Mack Baysinger Follow, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of advocate
Noun
  • Khamenei described the group as being at the forefront of resistance to Israel and its supporters.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • Thekla answered with a Spider suplex as the Thekla supporters cheered.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on apostle

Nglish: Translation of apostle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about apostle

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