pupil

noun

ˈpyü-pəl How to pronounce pupil (audio)
Definition of pupilnext
1
as in student
one who attends a school generally there are 20 pupils in each class

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in adherent
one who follows the opinions or teachings of another to pupils of the philosopher Henry David Thoreau, the shores of Walden Pond are hallowed ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 pupil This fall, the historic Eton College, located in Berkshire, England, will welcome a new, high-profile pupil. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026 That left McAuley with no pupils to educate, and the district actually operated with zero students in the 1991-92 school year before District 33 formally absorbed it in 1992. — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026 The school says around 75% of its prep pupils participate in some form of boarding to gradually prepare for full-time boarding schools. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 Manigan saw himself not only as a boxing coach but also a life coach, helping his pupils stay out of trouble. — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pupil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pupil
  1. student
  2. adherent
  3. scholar
  4. disciple
  5. follower
Noun
  • Benavidez introduced Colorado's first bilingual education bill and championed bicultural learning for all students.
    — Anna Alejo, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Appleby Mews was popular with university graduate students, so the atmosphere was less chaotic during the college football season.
    — Tom Campbell, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of student
Noun
  • But pharmacies were banned in 2023 from dispensing these six peptides—which adherents claim deliver benefits ranging from improved endurance to reduced inflammation—over efficacy and safety concerns.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 3 Aug. 2026
  • These and other initiatives are focusing on secular Jews and adherents to Reform Judaism.
    — Giovanna Dell'Orto, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Definition of adherent
Noun
  • Other interviewed legal scholars note the obvious conflict of interest of having a DA’s office investigate itself — and wonder about the lack of an independent investigation.
    — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Malonga spoke of these students as not just scholars, but future diplomats for African cooking.
    — Alicia Erickson, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of scholar
Noun
  • Throughout the Gospels, Jesus initially conceals his identity as the Messiah from even his closest disciples.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • They were joined by a disciple of the prophet, Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari, believed to be the first pilgrim to visit the grave.
    — Iqbal Akhtar, The Conversation, 31 July 2026
Definition of disciple
Noun
  • Ben Crump, one of the nation’s most prominent civil rights attorneys, also shared two posts with his 1 million followers about the circumstances surrounding Juliana’s death.
    — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • In The Bacchae, Dionysus becomes violent only because his existence has been denied and his followers persecuted, and his maenads similarly become destructive only when pursued.
    — Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 31 July 2026
Definition of follower

Browse Nearby Words

pupae
pupil
pupils
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pupil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pupil. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pupil

Nglish: Translation of pupil for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pupil

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