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

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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

Since the administration kicked off its anti-AI doomerism social media campaign, taking particular aim at EA and its adherents’ belief that AI carries a high risk of ending humanity—anti-AI sentiment seems to have grown.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
When brutal rationalism is challenged, especially by traditionalists, its defenders will often justify themselves by pointing to the intelligence of its adherents.

— Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of adherent

Noun

Over the years, Chivayo gave away dozens of luxury cars, buses, cash and other gifts to celebrities, church leaders, sports figures, politicians and social media followers, frequently broadcasting his largesse online.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
Working to help raise her two sisters, Moore became politically active in her teens, and by 1920 was a follower of Marcus Garvey.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of follower

Noun

Seeing the internet’s foremost disciple of glow meet the internet’s foremost purveyor of good lighting, though, feels quite satisfying—who else needs another excuse to update that Sephora cart?

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2026
Lay disciples typically uphold the vow of brahmacharya by maintaining fidelity toward their spouse.

— Bhakti Mamtora, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of votary

noun

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