Synonym Chooser

How is the word disciple different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of disciple are adherent, follower, and partisan. While all these words mean "one who gives full loyalty and support to another," disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.

disciples of Gandhi

Where would adherent be a reasonable alternative to disciple?

Although the words adherent and disciple have much in common, adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment.

adherents to Marxism

In what contexts can follower take the place of disciple?

While the synonyms follower and disciple are close in meaning, follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

an evangelist and his followers

When can partisan be used instead of disciple?

The synonyms partisan and disciple 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 disciple The disciples who fill his shows, pulling out their most beloved Owens inventions, are evidence of this. Jacob Gallagher, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025 Grier’s first hire was Brian Flores, a Bill Belichick disciple. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2025 Jesus slept Vance quoted at length from a Francis homily in March 2020 about a passage from the book of Mark about Jesus being in a boat with his disciples. Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025 With a score that blends rock, gospel and symphonic influences, the show explores the complex relationships between Jesus, his disciples and the Roman Empire. Terry Dickerson, NBC News, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disciple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disciple
Noun
  • Wide range of protesters That message appears to be gathering a broader range of adherents than previous waves of popular protests against Mr. Erdoğan’s increasingly authoritarian style of government.
    Fariba Nawa, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Trump supporters who are adherents of the Heritage Foundation’s 900-page Project 2025 policy guidebook backed a proposal to raise the retirement age from 67 to 69.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In lieu of discussions of who is best for the role artistically, the question becomes who will sell more tickets (Ivy has 3 million followers but TikTok influencers rally around Chloe) and create a less toxic workplace.
    Christian Lewis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • According to Rolling Stone, the singer’s public profile is one of the eight followers, as well as SZA, producer Michael Uzowuru, singer girlsweetvoiced and audio engineer Sean Matsukawa.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There was speculation that the scene was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting The Last Supper, depicting Jesus’s last meal with the 12 apostles, which in turn sparked claims that the tableau was an insult to the Christian faith.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2025
  • So just how does an under 30 bro become an apostle of small business networking? Larsen grew up in Tacoma, Washington, and studied entrepreneurship at Boise State.
    Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • All are welcome to join the prayer time every first Monday of the month to lift up missionaries in prayer.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Religion gameplay needs attention, as there’s no way to stop other leaders’ missionaries, leading to unsatisfying back-and-forth conversion gameplay.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disciple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disciple. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disciple

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