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 In the public sector, 70% of classrooms have more than 30 pupils per class. — Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026 Video previously posted to social media showed the Seine-Saint Denis mayor, Bally Bagayoko of the LFI, joining in with students, smiling and high-fiving pupils after a trash can was set on fire in the street. — Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Italian elementary schools normally need at least 15 pupils, but exceptions are granted to remote islands because a school’s closure can accelerate depopulation. — Lefteris Pitarakis, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026 Hinton, known as the godfather of AI, is portrayed as a saintly figure who espouses a model of growth based on truth, patience, and moderation, much to the frustration of his pupil. — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pupil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pupil
  1. student
  2. adherent
  3. scholar
  4. disciple
  5. follower
Noun
  • The demonstrators ended up on the steps of the Lincoln Park Zoo’s administrative office, where students took turns at a megaphone.
    — Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • This includes — but is not limited to — professors, scholars, research assistants, students, teachers, au pairs and camp counselors.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of student
Noun
  • Since the administration kicked off its anti-AI doomerism social media campaign, taking particular aim at EA and its adherents’ belief that AI carries a high risk of ending humanity—anti-AI sentiment seems to have grown.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
  • When brutal rationalism is challenged, especially by traditionalists, its defenders will often justify themselves by pointing to the intelligence of its adherents.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of adherent
Noun
  • But many scholars, and the justices themselves, argue that public perception is not matched by reality.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Chinese scholars and officials regularly call for improving the benefits provided to rural residents as a means to stimulate domestic demand.
    — Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of scholar
Noun
  • Seeing the internet’s foremost disciple of glow meet the internet’s foremost purveyor of good lighting, though, feels quite satisfying—who else needs another excuse to update that Sephora cart?
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Lay disciples typically uphold the vow of brahmacharya by maintaining fidelity toward their spouse.
    — Bhakti Mamtora, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of disciple
Noun
  • Together, the songs take longtime Prine fans and new followers more deeply into his vivid approach to songwriting, which gave voice to the lives, emotions, struggles and celebrations of everyday people.
    — Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Patricia Krenwinkel, a former follower of cult leader Charles Manson convicted in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders, has been recommended for parole after spending more than 55 years behind bars.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pupil

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pupil

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