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 In just a few days, Aniyah has gained more than half a million followers on TikTok, with the nine-time Grammy winner’s fanbase seeking her out online to praise her for protecting their idol. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2025 What began as an effort to document her hike for family and friends became a powerful source of inspiration for tens of thousands of new followers. David Gleisner, Outside, 13 Oct. 2025 Brown shared the post with his nearly 1 million followers. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025 Across two celebrity rosters, the players had over 250 million followers on social media combined. Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for follower
Recent Examples of Synonyms for follower
Noun
  • Bankman-Fried was another EA adherent who donated hundreds of millions of dollars to causes, including AI governance research, that aligned with EA’s philanthropic priorities.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • To watch Lipe-Smith’s Caroline cuddle in bed watching TV on her iPad, or bopping around to JoJo Siwa, or pensively finishing a Popsicle while sitting beside her grandmother at a museum, is to have the sheer malevolence of our current administration and its adherents thrown into sharp relief.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The oud that launched a thousand imitators, and still outclasses them all.
    Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The goofy tree-imitator Pokémon, whose rock typing has come off as a prank since its early second generation introduction, finally fulfills its destiny as a grass type thanks to this new battling phenomenon.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Bielsa lost both finals but gained admirers and disciples.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • His disciples picked up the mantle, even though those same forces wanted to kill them, too.
    Amy Stephens, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Obama’s 2015 appearance is central to WTF’s mythology and to podcasting lore in general, so bringing him back provides a neat poetic echo to end the show.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Worries are particularly high about companies in the artificial-intelligence industry, where pessimists see echoes of the 2000 dot-com bubble that imploded.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Follower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/follower. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on follower

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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