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 There is no School of Ancelotti and no wave of disciples behind him. —The Athletic Fc Tactics Podcast, New York Times, 19 May 2025 Then-Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells walked out the door to the field and started staring at his disciple. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 June 2025 His final highlights came with George Clinton, his most outspoken disciple, on Funkadelic’s 1981 The Electric Spanking of War Babies. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 10 June 2025 On the 20th anniversary of James Dean’s death, the disciples of James Dean are reuniting in this tiny town. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for disciple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disciple
  1. adherent
  2. follower
  3. apostle
  4. missionary
Noun
  • According to tradition, the incumbent chooses his successor, and is then — so adherents believe — reincarnated in that person’s body.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 July 2025
  • This trails both Muslims and Hindus, who each retain 99 percent of their adherents from childhood.
    — Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Definition of adherent
Noun
  • In Instagram comments, Wales Bonner invited followers to sign up for the newsletter on walesbonner.com for further updates.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 5 July 2025
  • The actress, who is on vacation in Sardinia, has delighted her 571K followers on Instagram by proudly displaying her collection of bikinis while beating the heat with pals.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
Definition of follower
Noun
  • The apostles are alarmed, but Jesus understands his destiny is coming.
    — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 30 June 2025
  • In a doctrinal publication issued on the topic, NAR apostle Lou Engle articulated that position.
    — Odette Yousef, NPR, 21 June 2025
Definition of apostle
Noun
  • In 2013, the city publicly apologized to a group of Christian missionaries who were arrested at the annual Arab International Festival.
    — Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
  • How faith played out in a clash of societies Protestant missionaries had long been attached to the Haudenosaunee.
    — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 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 19 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of disciple for Spanish Speakers

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