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

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 disciple The Bible tells us that Jesus and his disciples traveled to the city of Jerusalem. Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 12 Apr. 2025 With dignity, but like any Christian, because the bishop of Rome is a pastor and a disciple, not a powerful man of this world. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 Apr. 2025 On the façade, a mural by a disciple of Diego Rivera presents visitors with a brief tour of crucial moments in Mexican history. Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025 The act echoes when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples before the Last Supper, and calls followers to do the same. Allyson Vergara, Oc Register, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disciple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disciple
Noun
  • This post-neoliberal script has adherents on both sides of the political aisle.
    Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
  • But after making an initial splash in 2009 thanks to high-profile adherents like marathon star Paula Radcliffe, the first wave of high-quality studies supported the idea that beet juice really does improve endurance.
    Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • By then, Furlan had amassed roughly 8.6 million followers on the now-defunct social media app Vine — the most of any woman on the site.
    Nicole Briese, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • The club has four million followers on Instagram — double that of Sunday’s fellow finalists, United — and over 800k followers on TikTok.
    Asli Pelit, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Image Image Throughout, Bob, as his American friends still call him, or Roberto, as his Spanish and Italian ones do, has remained consistently low-key, a gray man in a world of outsized personalities cloaked in sumptuous scarlet cassocks, an earnest admin of the apostles.
    Mitra Taj, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Like those of other popes, Francis' ring has an image of St. Peter the apostle and Francis' own name.
    George Petras, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The order is largely dedicated to serving the poor and has served as missionaries throughout history, per its official website.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • Prevost, a longtime missionary and member of the Augustinian religious order, made his first appearance on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday wearing the traditional red cape of the papacy.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disciple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disciple. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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