disciple

noun

di-ˈsī-pəl How to pronounce disciple (audio)
Definition of disciplenext
as in adherent
one who follows the opinions or teachings of another a circle of dedicated disciples who conscientiously wrote down everything the prophet said

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 series takes place in Judaea and Galilee in the 1st century and follows the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth and his disciples. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 Each of the disciples have their own secrets to bear, life taking them on some brutal pathways, the piece leaning into powerful introspection. —David John Chávez, Mercury News, 28 June 2025 The top funk artist of the 1970s, Parliament-Funkadelic creator George Clinton, was a Stone disciple. —Arkansas Online, 10 June 2025 There is no School of Ancelotti and no wave of disciples behind him. —The Athletic Fc Tactics Podcast, New York Times, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for disciple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disciple
  1. adherent
  2. follower
  3. apostle
  4. missionary
Noun
  • Many of these people are hyper-online and, in their most extreme, can manifest as QAnon adherents.
    — Donie O'Sullivan, CNN Money, 16 July 2025
  • When the doomsday prediction from a cult leader doesn’t come true, adherents don’t pack up their Nikes and find another cult.
    — S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 16 July 2025
Definition of adherent
Noun
  • In 2023, Angel Reese’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) valuation jumped during the week of the Final Four, alongside a spike in her follower count.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • With millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok and Substack, the platform is positioned towards helping young people better understand the news, with regular free newsletters and podcasts.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Definition of follower
Noun
  • Twelve apostles, 12 days of Christmas, 12 Angry Men — Henry Fonda, great guy, right?
    — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2025
  • The apostles are alarmed, but Jesus understands his destiny is coming.
    — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 30 June 2025
Definition of apostle
Noun
  • His grandparents were Christian missionaries in Jamaica, which led to his mother rebelling against religion when she was sent to boarding school.
    — Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The story of tonic water starts in the 17th century, when Jesuit missionaries in the Andes discovered what local native healers already knew: the bark of the cinchona tree had healing properties.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 July 2025
Definition of missionary

Browse Nearby Words

disciform
disciple
disciples
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Cite this Entry

“Disciple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disciple. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of disciple for Spanish Speakers

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