Synonyms of disciple

disciple

noun

di-ˈsī-pəl 

as in adherent

one who follows the opinions or teachings of another

a circle of dedicated disciples who conscientiously wrote down everything the prophet said

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adherent
• follower
• apostle
• missionary
• devotee
• acolyte
• pupil
• student
• supporter
• votary
• scholar
• partizan
• soldier
• partisan
• admirer
• convert
• epigone
• protégé
• advocate
• liege man
• votarist
• faithful
• proselytizer
• worshiper
• fan
• loyalist
• ideologist
• worshipper
• champion
• enthusiast
• zealot
• cultist
• idolater
• flunkey
• sycophant
• idolator
• minion
• ideologue
• sectarian
• henchman
• idealogue
• lackey
• camp follower
• satellite
• apparatchik
• stooge
• flunkie
• backer
• yes-man
• hanger-on
• toady
• flunky
• lickspittle
• myrmidon

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• leader
• traitor
• renegade
• defector
• apostate
• turncoat
• coryphaeus

Synonym Chooser

How is the word disciple different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of disciple are adherent, follower, and partisan. While all these words mean "one who gives full loyalty and support to another," disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.

disciples of Gandhi

Where would adherent be a reasonable alternative to disciple?

Although the words adherent and disciple have much in common, adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment.

adherents to Marxism

In what contexts can follower take the place of disciple?

While the synonyms follower and disciple are close in meaning, follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

an evangelist and his followers

When can partisan be used instead of disciple?

The synonyms partisan and disciple are sometimes interchangeable, but partisan suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment.

partisans of the President

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of disciple

As possessed people speak in foreign tongues and violence rises, Ahmed fears regaining memory, while the disciple fears his master’s decline may unleash an ancient evil. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025

The three-bedroom house, commissioned by the comedian in the 1950s during the height of his Honeymooners fame, was designed by Robert Cika, a Frank Lloyd Wright disciple, and fabricated in an airplane hangar by a Scandinavian shipbuilder, who shaped its many curved wooden surfaces. —Kim Velsey, Curbed, 27 Aug. 2025

But witnessing that scene Sunday night, even the most casual fan among a platoon of 50,000 disciples would grin at this once-implausible sight. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025

Fellow disciple Shen Gongbao, a stuttering leopard turned immortal, was upset that he had been passed over for the opportunity and orchestrated a switcheroo. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025