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

Over 20 years, Belichick disciples became prone to treating players as disposable assets instead of human beings they are supposed to both employ and empower. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025

The list of actors playing Jesus and his disciples includes Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, Victor Garber, Andrea Martin and Dave Thomas, plus musical director Paul Shaffer, all of whom would go on to have renowned careers on stage and screen. —Brent Lang, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025

These Birdman-disciples are severe kill-joys who consider women merely vessels for heirs. —Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 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