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
• apostle
• supporter
• missionary
• devotee
• acolyte
• votary
• pupil
• admirer
• student
• partizan
• soldier
• scholar
• partisan
• convert
• fan
• advocate
• epigone
• liege man
• votarist
• worshiper
• faithful
• protégé
• loyalist
• proselytizer
• enthusiast
• worshipper
• cultist
• champion
• ideologist
• zealot
• sycophant
• idolater
• minion
• idolator
• ideologue
• flunkey
• idealogue
• sectarian
• backer
• henchman
• lackey
• camp follower
• satellite
• hanger-on
• stooge
• apparatchik
• flunkie
• yes-man
• toady
• myrmidon
• 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
• wannabe
• wannabee
• rubber stamp
• copycat
• parrot
• aper
• copyist
• impressionist
• ape
• mimic
• emulator
• impersonator

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

Examples of follower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The series has garnered more than 450 million impressions across social media and earned Johnson more than 3 million followers in a two-week period. —Selome Hailu, Variety, 4 Sep. 2024

Users can share information with their feed followers, such as their workout summaries, finish-line photos and trail maps, and follow other outdoor enthusiasts or brands. —Sara Fischer, Axios, 3 Sep. 2024

Kardashian, who was accompanied by her sister Kendall Jenner, later posted more photos of her visit on her own Instagram account, which, with 361 million followers, attracts quite a bit more attention than Cal Fire’s Amador-El Dorado Facebook page. —Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2024

Now with over 3 million followers, Gordon has also released a full album of musical parodies and is working on his second. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2024