Adherent, n.
1. One who adheres; one who adheres; one who follows a leader, party, or profession; a follower, or partisan; a believer in a particular faith or church.
2. That which adheres; an appendage. [R.] Milton.
Syn. -- Follower; partisan; upholder; disciple; supporter; dependent; ally; backer.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Adherent, a.
1. Sticking; clinging; adhering. Pope.
2. Attached as an attribute or circumstance.
3. (Bot.)
Congenitally united with an organ of another kind, as calyx with ovary, or stamens with petals.
Shades of meaning
An adherent is one who is devoted or attached to a person, party, principle, cause, creed, or the like. One may be an aider and supporter of a party or church, while not an adherent to all its doctrines or claims. An ally is more independent still, as he may differ on every point except the specific ground of union. The Allies who overthrew Napoleon were united only against him. Allies are regarded as equals; adherents and disciples are followers. The adherent depends more on his individual judgment, the disciple is more subject to command and instruction; thus we say the disciples rather than the adherents of Christ. Partisan has the narrow and odious sense of adhesion to a party, right or wrong. One may be an adherent or supporter of a party and not a partisan. Backer is a sporting and theatrical word, personal in its application, and not in the best usage. Compare accessory.
Prepositions
Adherents to principle; adherents of Luther.