What does "card-carrying" mean?
Enrolled as a member of an organization, and having a card to prove it; loyal to that organization or the cause it supports.
Card-carrying
adj
adj ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Enrolled as a member of an organization, and having a card to prove it; loyal to that organization or the cause it supports.
- Grammar: card-carrying is listed as adj.
- Nearest alternatives: authentic, bona fide, candid, cardholding.
- Usage evidence: None of them is a card-carrying member of the fascist movement.
How to use "card-carrying"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "card-carrying" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "card-carrying" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "card-carrying" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "card-carrying" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "card-carrying" is acting as adj in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "authentic" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "card-carrying", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adjective
- 1 Enrolled as a member of an organization, and having a card to prove it; loyal to that organization or the cause it supports. not-comparable
"Mr. Casey I notice that counsel [Mr. Whitley] or someone asked you as to "card carrying Communist." Mr. McCuistion, Yes. Mr. Casey,. Is that a well-known phrase, "card carrying Communist"? Mr. McQuistion, That "card-carrying Communist" is the type of Communist who comes out and admits to everybody he is a Communist. Mr. Casey. But it has no reference to his membership card at all? Mr. McQuistion. Yes. He flashes it to everybody, just like a reporter flashes his credentials at this thing here, if it was not known to the other reporters. He tells everybody. Mr. Casey. Did you ever see Joe Curran's card? Mr. McQuistion. No; I never saw Joe Curran's card. I know enough about Communist procedure, however, to know that Joe Curran would not be issued a card, anyhow, in the name of "Joe Curran." Mr. Casey. I mean if he was a "card carrying Communist" who flashes his card.? Mr. McQuistion. Oh, they would not make that type of man—they very seldom make that type of man an official."
- 2 Loyal and dedicated to some cause. broadly, not-comparable
"While it's good to hear the band get comfortable in their new skin, it also makes for a record that plateaus a few songs in. As a card-carrying AIC fan-boy, I am tempted to simply shower the band with endless praise for anything they do. But it must be said that much of this album comes across a little too consistent, almost tedious. Some of the writing is better than the rest. And it would be nice if the band would use the harmonies more sparingly and let Michael and Jerry belt out more of their own verses, otherwise the songs tend to wash themselves out too much."
- 3 Official. not-comparable
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"None of them is a card-carrying member of the fascist movement."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "card-carrying"?
Common synonyms include: authentic, bona fide, candid, cardholding, genuine, good.
How do you use "card-carrying" in a sentence?
None of them is a card-carrying member of the fascist movement.