noun Uncommon

comrade

KOM-rayd

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Comrade (noun) means a close companion or fellow member of a group, especially one who shares the same struggle or cause. Example: “He stayed loyal to his old comrades from the army long after the war ended.”

noun

A close companion or fellow member of a group, especially one who shares the same struggle or cause.

"He stayed loyal to his old comrades from the army long after the war ended."

"The two hikers became comrades after surviving the storm together."

A term of address used among socialists, communists, or members of certain political movements, similar to "Mr." or "Ms."

"The delegates greeted each other as "comrade" at the party congress."

How to use comrade

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA trusted companion, especially someone you've been through hardship or a shared cause with — also a formal title used in socialist and communist movements.

When to use it

Outside its political use, "comrade" sounds slightly old-fashioned or literary compared to everyday words like "friend" or "buddy."

Common pairings

fellow comrade comrades in arms a loyal comrade

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: comrades
Third person singular: comrades
Past tense: comraded

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He stayed loyal to his old _____ from the army long after the war ended.

Etymology

Traces back through French camarade to Spanish and Italian words meaning "chamber mate" — someone who shared a room, especially soldiers billeted together.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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ally fellow confederate brother-in-arms familiar companion brother associate battle buddy tovarish compagno

Antonyms

rival

Related words

known friend member brother league daughter link sister

Rhymes for comrade

Ade made jade wade fade sade Bade Cade Dade trade blade spade

See all rhymes for comrade →

Frequently asked questions

What does “comrade” mean?

The word “comrade” means a close companion or fellow member of a group, especially one who shares the same struggle or cause. In plain terms, a trusted companion, especially someone you've been through hardship or a shared cause with — also a formal title used in socialist and communist movements.

How do you pronounce “comrade”?

“Comrade” is pronounced KOM-rayd (/ˈkɑmɹæd/ in IPA).

How do you use “comrade” in a sentence?

Here is “comrade” used in a sentence: “He stayed loyal to his old comrades from the army long after the war ended.”

What is another word for “comrade”?

Words with a similar meaning to “comrade” include battle buddy, tovarish and compagno.

What part of speech is “comrade”?

“Comrade” is a noun.

Where does the word “comrade” come from?

The word “comrade” comes from French. Traces back through French camarade to Spanish and Italian words meaning "chamber mate" — someone who shared a room, especially soldiers billeted together.

Is “comrade” a common word?

“Comrade” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “comrade” have?

“Comrade” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a close companion or fellow member of a group, especially one who shares the same struggle or cause.

What is the difference between "comrade" and "friend"?

A "friend" is simply someone you like and enjoy spending time with, while a "comrade" more specifically implies a companion who shares the same struggle, cause, or group membership, such as soldiers or activists. "Comrade" carries a stronger sense of solidarity and shared purpose than the more general word "friend."

Why is "comrade" associated with communism?

"Comrade" has long been used as a term of address among socialists, communists, and members of certain political movements, functioning similarly to "Mr." or "Ms." This political usage is why the word is strongly associated with communist and socialist movements in particular.

Is it common to call someone "comrade" in everyday English?

Outside of political movements or military contexts, "comrade" is not common in everyday English and can sound formal, old-fashioned, or ideologically loaded. In most casual conversation, words like "friend" or "buddy" are used instead.

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