1 academy, alma mater, college, department, discipline, faculty, institute, institution, seminary. 2 adherents, circle, class, clique, denomination, devotees, disciples, faction, followers, following, group, pupils, schism, sect, set. 3 creed, faith, outlook, persuasion, school of thought, stamp, way of life. vb. 4 coach, discipline, drill, educate, indoctrinate, instruct, prepare, prime, train, tutor, verse.