OpenSynonym

cadet

/ˈkædɪt/

NOUN

1. A trainee in a military or naval organization

A student or trainee receiving military, naval, or similar training, especially in preparation to become an officer.

1.1. Military or officer training

A student enrolled in a military academy or training program who is preparing for a future role as an officer.

Synonyms

  • recruit
  • plebe
  • trainee
  • military student

Examples

  • The cadet completed a demanding course at the military academy.
  • Each cadet must demonstrate discipline and leadership during training.

Related Words

1.2. Naval training

A trainee preparing for a career as an officer in the navy or merchant marine.

Synonyms

  • midshipman

Examples

  • The young cadet began his naval training aboard a training vessel.
  • The midshipman served as a cadet before receiving his commission.

Related Words

  • naval officer
  • sailor
  • ship
  • maritime academy
  • seaman

NOUN

2. A younger or non-inheriting son

A younger son in a family, especially one who historically would not inherit the principal family estate or title.

2.1. Family lineage and inheritance

A younger son distinguished from the eldest son, particularly in historical systems of inheritance.

Synonyms

  • younger son
  • junior son

Antonyms

  • eldest son
  • firstborn son
  • heir

Examples

  • As a cadet of the family, he was not expected to inherit the ancestral estate.
  • The title passed to the eldest son rather than his younger cadet brother.

Related Words

  • inheritance
  • lineage
  • primogeniture
  • succession
  • family estate

NOUN

3. A junior or subordinate branch of a family

A member or branch of a family that is junior in status or descent to the principal line, especially in genealogy or heraldry.

3.1. Genealogy and family branches

A younger or subordinate member or branch of a family in relation to its senior or principal line.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The cadet branch of the family established its own estate.
  • Historical records distinguish the senior lineage from its cadet branches.

Related Words