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

His followers spread his rhetoric to millions of homes and classrooms. —Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

Since the beginning of April, Garcia-Jahrman has documented nearly every step of the process on social media, sharing construction updates, branding decisions, hiring announcements and personal reflections with followers and friends. —Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 7 June 2026

What often happens next is a barrage of violent threats from his followers against those judges. —Heather Abbott, CBS News, 7 June 2026

Longtime followers of both musical titans understood the deep and complex historical and cultural connections between the two Black eccentric, gifted artists who transformed the ‘80s and ‘90s into their own playgrounds. —Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026