Synonyms of follower

follower

noun

ˈfä-lə-wər 

1

as in adherent

one who follows the opinions or teachings of another

the followers of Gandhi have spread his philosophy of nonviolence all over the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in imitator

a person who adopts the appearance or behavior of another especially in an obvious way

Brando's Method acting inspired a whole generation of mumbling followers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• imitator
• echo
• rubber stamp
• parrot
• wannabe
• aper
• copycat
• copyist
• ape
• emulator
• impressionist
• impersonator
• mimic

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

Recent Examples of follower

Miss Peaches has millions of followers on social media, and a line of hard lemonade called Lucky One. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026

Telegram trails only WhatsApp — also severely restricted — in popularity among Russians, and is widely used by government agencies for their official social media presence, as well as by pro-Kremlin commentators and military bloggers with hundreds of thousands of followers. —ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026

The Islamic holiday was established following the Hijrah of the Prophet Muhammad, his migration with his followers from Mecca to Medina. —Faith Bugenhagen, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026

As Chapter 20 begins, one of Jesus’ most devoted followers, Mary Magdalene, approaches the tomb. —Mary Foskett, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026