Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of follower are adherent, disciple, and partisan. While all these words mean "one who gives full loyalty and support to another," follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

an evangelist and his followers

When might adherent be a better fit than follower?

While in some cases nearly identical to follower, adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment.

adherents to Marxism

When could disciple be used to replace follower?

The words disciple and follower are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.

disciples of Gandhi

When is it sensible to use partisan instead of follower?

The synonyms partisan and follower 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 follower Social justice-minded followers too often willfully forget this. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025 Even decades after his death, the mountain still loomed large for Cézanne’s followers. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025 Now, the company has more than 12,000 Instagram followers and a loyal clientele. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025 The club’s Instagram account has 12 million followers, and most of its players have more than a million followers, led by Trezeguet by 9.7 million. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for follower
Recent Examples of Synonyms for follower
Noun
  • All this is part of the larger belief that only adherents belonging to religious traditions that arose in the Indian subcontinent are authentically Indian.
    ASHLEY J. TELLIS, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
  • The overall growth in the world’s Jewish population did not increase their proportion of the world’s religious adherents because of the much faster growth in other populations.
    Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Like all of the work by this disciple of Mexico’s most famous architect, Luis Barragán, the design is always focused on one particular concern: the human experience of inhabiting spaces.
    Katia Contreras, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2025
  • The season will highlight pivotal moments, including the Last Supper (Jesus’ final meal with His disciples) and the Garden of Gethsemane, where He is betrayed and then arrested.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • The whole saga has echoes of what happened last year with Ter Stegen’s former team-mate Ilkay Gundogan.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • Among Friends has echoes of Salter’s brilliance, in its elegant lines, flawless metaphors, and its mirroring of the cracks and shattering implosions lingering just beneath the surface of our closest connections.
    Jane Ciabattari June 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Follower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/follower. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on follower

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