VOTARY Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

votary

noun

ˈvō-tə-rē

Definition of votary

as in adherent

one who follows the opinions or teachings of another a votary of the religious leader

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 votary But the fate of the votary is to require and receive a constant renewal of faith. — Jeff Weiss, Spin, 21 Aug. 2023 Many remember the Cultural Revolution as a time of Red Guard excess—of the people terrorizing the votaries of the party. — Mary Gallagher, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2023 The Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker has long been a loud votary of progress. — Samuel Moyn, The New Republic, 19 Mar. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for votary

Noun

Breitbart has also published an article skewering Hamilton for suggesting that adherents of other religions might get to Heaven.

— Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Its adherents believe that the relentless pursuit of maximizing individual freedom and rights has come at the cost of community, religion, and traditional norms.

— Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of adherent

Noun

She is recognized nationally by athletes and celebrities and her fans, borne from Murray’s influence on social media that counts more than 900,000 TikTok followers and 395,000 on Instagram.

— Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Austin Fontenot is an avid follower of English club Leicester City, which in 2015-16 won the EPL title in one of the greatest underdog stories in the sport’s history.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of follower

Noun

The show lures corporate sponsors to the marketing mecca, where brands hope to convert experience seekers into true believers, eventually disciples.

— Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
But Govindananda says a chatbot could never provide what a guru — whether living or not — can give to the disciple.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of disciple

Browse Nearby Words

votarists

votary

vote

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“Votary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/votary. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of votary

noun

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