Definition of: adherent

(ad·hir′ənt) adjective
1. Clinging or sticking fast.
2. Bot. Adnate; grown together.
— noun One who is devoted or attached, as to a cause or leader; a follower: also ad·her′er.
—ad·her′ent·ly adverb Synonyms (noun): aid, aider, ally, backer, disciple, follower, partisan, supporter. An adherent is one who is devoted or attached to a person, party, principle, cause, creed, or the like. Allies may differ on every point except the specific ground of union. Allies are regarded as equals; adherents and disciples are followers. Partisan has the narrow sense of adhesion to a party. One may be an adherent or supporter of a party and not a partisan. Backer usually indicates a financial supporter. Compare ACCESSORY. Antonyms: adversary, antagonist, betrayer, deserter,enemy, hater, opponent, renegade, traitor.