Definition of disciplenext

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 As disciples of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we are called to reject that which divides us and instead to build bridges that protect life and heal the wounds of violence. Elaine Rojas-Castillo, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026 Regardless, Simpson is a high-variance bet with a realistic starter path if the game slows down and he’s drafted by a Kyle Shanahan or Sean McVay disciple. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026 The central and longest section presents the Guru’s grievances against Aurangzeb in the style of a Sufi pir (spiritual guide) addressing a deviant murid (disciple), indicting the emperor for violating the oath and sanctioning the murder of Gobind Singh’s sons. Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026 This egalitarian, crate-digging ethos makes a lot of sense next to MIKE and Earl Sweatshirt, who’ve fostered years of goodwill from uplifting their own disciples. Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disciple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disciple
Noun
  • Critics say event ‘hijacked’ by Christian nationalism Critics say Rededicate 250 is shaping up to promote Christian nationalism — whose adherents typically believe that the United States was founded as and should be a Christian nation.
    Peter Smith, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • Scientology is a religious group shrouded in privacy that has garnered attention for its celebrity adherents, including Tom Cruise and John Travolta.
    Joe Kottke, NBC news, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • Online, this generally meant that creators encouraged their followers to pair a healthy habit with a fun or existing one (scrolling while walking on the treadmill, for example) or to just link two good behaviors together (folding laundry between breaks of your at-home workout).
    Julia Landwehr, Health, 18 May 2026
  • With more than four million followers and billions of views across platforms, Garg has built a global fanbase through her sharp, deeply relatable observations on family, culture, and modern life.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • The New Testament does contain positive depictions of Pharisees — Levine points to Nicodemus, who defended Jesus and helped bury him, and Gamaliel, who advocated for the apostles Peter and John.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
  • Or perhaps the President would have been satisfied enough with Peter, one of Jesus’ original twelve apostles, whom many consider to be the first Pope.
    Jane Bua, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disciple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disciple. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on disciple

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster