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

As for his work in film, Paris worked as a production assistant for Pierce’s film Black Adam in 2022 and has produced videos and short films for important causes. — Emy Lacroix, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026 Images used by the AI assistant aren’t saved to a user’s photo gallery. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Then came the media firestorm and an assistant coach who broke ranks to condemn the ousting. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026 The Costume Designers Guild includes more than 1,000 costume designers, assistant costume designers and illustrators working in motion pictures, TV, commercials, music videos and new media programs throughout the world. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assistant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assistant

Noun

From 1968 to 1971, Capen served in the Department of Defense as a key aide to President Richard Nixon’s Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
The race is between Woodland City Councilmember Mayra Vega and former county supervisor’s aide Dotty Pritchard.

— Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of aide

Adjective

The cast, who had been supportive of Paul’s controversy and mental-health struggles before the cancellation, were appalled at a video leaked in March of Paul throwing a stool at her ex, Dakota Mortensen, that almost hit her young daughter.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
The biggest lift came when a manager joined a sales teams dealing with new customers – and assumed a supportive role rather than taking a lead.

— Daniel E. Chavez, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of supportive

Adjective

Bucks encounter rivals, or even subordinate deer, and make scrapes in a sudden display of strength.

— Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2026
Johnson frequently uses his saxophone to control a sampler or drum machine, triggering changes in loops and effects, but the technology is ultimately subordinate to physical expression.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of subordinate

Noun

Know More The Pentagon has negotiated equity or some equivalent, like warrants, in at least 10 companies since Cerberus cofounder Steve Feinberg was confirmed as deputy defense secretary last year.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Kosta The two rivals also do not agree on Diamantis, the former deputy state budget director at the Office of Policy and Management who was fired by Lamont in a high-profile corruption scandal.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of deputy

Noun

Her first crush was on the cherubic lead child actor in Meatballs, the one who requires the aid of camp counselor Bill Murray to learn self-respect.

— Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
The floated consideration of the legislation comes after Jeffries opposed an amendment to an annual foreign affairs spending bill that aimed to cut off aid to Israel back in July, a measure more than 100 Democrats supported.

— Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 23 Sep. 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 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of assistant

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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