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partisan 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of partisan next

as in partial

inclined to favor one side over another a shamelessly partisan reporter covering the primary campaign

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partisan

2 of 2

noun

ˈpär-tə-zən

variants also partizan

as in adherent

one who follows the opinions or teachings of another partisans of the charismatic leader refuse to tolerate any criticism of him at all

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as in crusader

one who is intensely or excessively devoted to a cause a partisan of the revolution who was even willing to give her life for it

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as in sectarian

one who stubbornly or intolerantly adheres to his or her own opinions and prejudices she's too much of a political partisan to ever concede that the other side might have a valid point

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word partisan different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of partisan are adherent, disciple, and follower. While all these words mean "one who gives full loyalty and support to another," partisan suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment.

partisans of the President

When could adherent be used to replace partisan?

The synonyms adherent and partisan are sometimes interchangeable, but adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment.

adherents to Marxism

When might disciple be a better fit than partisan?

While the synonyms disciple and partisan are close in meaning, disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.

disciples of Gandhi

When can follower be used instead of partisan?

Although the words follower and partisan have much in common, follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

an evangelist and his followers

Examples of partisan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The role, which is partisan, processes taxes for the county government. —

Sommer Brugal, Axios, 31 July 2024 Critz was the only candidate to argue that races should be partisan, an issue Florida voters can decide on the November ballot. —

Lauren Brensel, Orlando Sentinel, 31 July 2024

Noun

In the Strengthening Democracy Challenge — a sweeping effort looking at interventions to protect democracy — researchers found that one of the most effective ways of reducing support for political violence is to challenge partisans' beliefs that those on the other side were OK with violence. —

Kaleigh Rogers, ABC News, 16 July 2024 But even small-town politics have their resolute partisans — the zealots — who shoulder their way into the processes in an attempt to wage a war instead of a civil and constructive campaign. —

Dean Minnich, Baltimore Sun, 13 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for partisan

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'partisan.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.