ASSISTANT Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

assistant 1 of 2

noun

ə-ˈsi-stənt

Definition of assistant

as in aide

a person who helps a more skilled person the chief assistant to the director

Synonyms & Similar Words

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assistant

2 of 2

adjective

as in assisting

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Dissimilar Words

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 assistant

Noun

Asher has an omnipresent AI assistant who serves as a kind of fixer/scheduler/confessor. — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 El Camino Real in Woodland Hills, which recently replaced its head of school and assistant principal in charge of athletics, is now investigating coaches. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Adjective

The West is warming faster than the country overall, which ultimately means less water available for farmers, businesses and residents, Peter Goble, assistant state climatologist for Colorado, told USA TODAY earlier this year. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2026 Comer has since 2023 worked for State Treasurer Erick Russell as his chief of staff and assistant treasurer for administration. — Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assistant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assistant

Noun

GuamAmerican SamoaCaliforniaHawaiiAlaska 7 of 11 A 35-year-old White House aide, known for rarely leaving the president’s side, came under public scrutiny this week after Senator Jon Ossoff mentioned her during a campaign speech.

— New York Times, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Trump aides are engaging and even hitting back on the staff stories, including a subtweet from Dan Scavino that made the rounds among DC Republicans.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of aide

Adjective

The race highlighted how support for Israel is becoming prominent issue in this year's election as more Democrats have become less supportive.

— Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
But her kindly and supportive cop boyfriend Nick (Brandon Perea) rightly insists that the duo should perhaps move out of the house when Gemma’s habitual nightmares intensify.

— Tomris Laffly, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of supportive

Noun

During his first two years as a starter, Santori was the apprentice who carefully studied the game and developed organically under the influence of his older peers.

— Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Twenty years later, John (Pierre) is serving as an apprentice to an older, grouchier Hal.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of apprentice

Adjective

Though Overton and Kennedy have worked closely on a range of health priorities, some people familiar with the dynamic questioned how the two would mesh if Overton moves from the White House to an FDA role that is technically subordinate to Kennedy.

— Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
These reforms, however, remain embedded in a judiciary that is subordinate to Communist Party leadership.

— Mark Jia, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of subordinate

Noun

Among them were Broward County sheriff’s deputies who wanted photos and a trio of women who lamented they had been drawn into a new Republican-leaning district.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
His prosecutor was a young Johnnie Cochran, later to be a superstar defense lawyer, then a deputy city attorney.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of deputy

Noun

Officers attempted to render medical aid until medics arrived on the scene, but the man was ultimately pronounced dead.

— Patrick Damp, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
And among all the driver aids and autonomous kit there’s even a dedicated Pet Mode to safely keep the cabin cool while parked.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of aid

Noun

But that hasn’t stopped out-of-state reenactors from worrying their muskets will be confiscated at the George Washington Bridge, says Justin Costantino, adjutant of the Long Island Companies of the 3rd New York Regiment.

— Allen G. Breed, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
In the months since fellow senior Legion executives suspended Abrahamson without pay from his statewide adjutant job in April, a number of the roughly 8,000 members in Idaho have called for a change in leadership.

— Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 13 July 2024

Definition of adjutant

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“Assistant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assistant. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of assistant

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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