Apostle — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈpä-səl/ apos·tle

Meaning & Definition of Apostle

Apostle (noun)

  1. one sent on a mission
  2. one of an authoritative New Testament group sent out to preach the gospel and made up especially of Christ's 12 original disciples and Paul
  3. the first prominent Christian missionary to a region or group

Apostle (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person who actively supports or favors a cause

    "a fervent apostle of universal health care"

    similar: advocate, advocator, backer, booster, champion, espouser, exponent, expounder, friend, gospeler, herald, hierophant, high priest, paladin, promoter, proponent, protagonist, supporter, true believer, tub-thumper, white knight
    related: loyalist, partisan, stalwart, adherent, cohort, disciple, follower, interpreter, applauder, cheerleader, encourager, fellow traveler
    opposite: adversary, antagonist, opponent
    near: enemy, foe, rival, belittler, critic, faultfinder

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Apostle

The most common words with a similar meaning to Apostle:

advocate, advocator, backer, booster, champion, espouser, exponent, expounder, friend, gospeler, herald, hierophant, high priest, paladin, promoter, proponent, protagonist, supporter, true believer, tub-thumper, white knight

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Apostle

Words with the opposite meaning of Apostle:

adversary, antagonist, opponent

Related Words for Apostle

loyalist, partisan, stalwart, adherent, cohort, disciple, follower, interpreter, applauder, cheerleader, encourager, fellow traveler

Near Antonyms of Apostle

enemy, foe, rival, belittler, critic, faultfinder

Word Forms of Apostle

Derived words: apostleship (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Apostle

Middle English apostel, apostle, postel, in part going back to Old English apostol, in part borrowed from Anglo-French apostle, apostoile, appostre, both borrowed from Late Latin apostolus "ambassador, Apostle (of the New Testament)," borrowed from Greek apóstolos "messenger, envoy, (Septuagint) messenger from God, (New Testament) Apostle," noun derivative of apostéllein "to send off or away, dispatch," from apo- apo- + stéllein "to set in order, equip, prepare for a journey, send," going back to Indo-European *stel- "put up, prepare," whence also Old Church Slavic posteljǫ, postĭlati "to spread out," Albanian shtiell "wind up, reel up, collect" (from *stel-n-) and perhaps Old Prussian stallīt "to stand," Armenian stełcanem, (aorist) stełci "prepare, create" (with -c- of uncertain origin)

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Apostle

What does "Apostle" mean?

"Apostle" means one sent on a mission. As a noun, it is defined as: one sent on a mission.

What is another word for "Apostle"?

Other words for "Apostle" include advocate, advocator, backer, booster, champion, espouser, exponent and expounder. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Apostle" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Apostle"?

There are 33 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Apostle". Common alternatives include advocate, advocator, backer, booster, champion, espouser, exponent, expounder, friend and gospeler.

What is the opposite of "Apostle"?

Antonyms of "Apostle" include adversary, antagonist and opponent. Near antonyms include enemy, foe, rival and belittler.

How do you use "Apostle" in a sentence?

Examples of "Apostle" in a sentence: "a fervent apostle of universal health care".

Is "Apostle" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Apostle" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Apostle"?

"Apostle" is pronounced /ə-ˈpä-səl/ and divided into syllables as apos·tle.

What is the origin of the word "Apostle"?

"Apostle" comes from Middle English apostel, apostle, postel, in part going back to Old English apostol, in part borrowed from Anglo-French apostle, apostoile, appostre, both borrowed from Late Latin apostolus "ambassador, Apostle (of the New Testament)," borrowed from Greek apóstolos "messenger, envoy, (Septuagint) messenger from God, (New Testament) Apostle," noun derivative of apostéllein "to send off or away, dispatch," from apo- apo- + stéllein "to set in order, equip, prepare for a journey, send," going back to Indo-European *stel- "put up, prepare," whence also Old Church Slavic posteljǫ, postĭlati "to spread out," Albanian shtiell "wind up, reel up, collect" (from *stel-n-) and perhaps Old Prussian stallīt "to stand," Armenian stełcanem, (aorist) stełci "prepare, create" (with -c- of uncertain origin). First known use: before 12th century.