LANK Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'lank' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lank are gaunt , lanky , lean , rawboned , scrawny , skinny , and spare . While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," lank implies tallness as well as leanness. // the lank legs of the heron

Q: When would 'gaunt' be a good substitute for 'lank'?

The synonyms gaunt and lank are sometimes interchangeable, but gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering. // a prisoner's gaunt face

Q: When could 'lanky' be used to replace 'lank'?

The words lanky and lank can be used in similar contexts, but lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness. // a lanky youth, all arms and legs

Q: In what contexts can 'lean' take the place of 'lank'?

Although the words lean and lank have much in common, lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours. // a lean racehorse

Q: When is it sensible to use 'rawboned' instead of 'lank'?

In some situations, the words rawboned and lank are roughly equivalent. However, rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment. // a rawboned farmer

Q: How are the words 'scrawny' and 'skinny' related as synonyms of 'lank'?

Both scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality. // a scrawny chicken // skinny street urchins

Q: When can 'spare' be used instead of 'lank'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lank , spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise. // the gymnast's spare figure

lank

adjective

ˈlaŋk

Definition of lank

as in limp

not stiff in structure right after a shower, her lank hair hung down to her shoulders

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective lank contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lank are gaunt, lanky, lean, rawboned, scrawny, skinny, and spare. While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," lank implies tallness as well as leanness.

the lank legs of the heron

When would gaunt be a good substitute for lank?

The synonyms gaunt and lank are sometimes interchangeable, but gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering.

a prisoner's gaunt face

When could lanky be used to replace lank?

The words lanky and lank can be used in similar contexts, but lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness.

a lanky youth, all arms and legs

In what contexts can lean take the place of lank?

Although the words lean and lank have much in common, lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours.

a lean racehorse

When is it sensible to use rawboned instead of lank?

In some situations, the words rawboned and lank are roughly equivalent. However, rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment.

a rawboned farmer

How are the words scrawny and skinny related as synonyms of lank?

Both scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality.

a scrawny chicken

skinny street urchins

When can spare be used instead of lank?

While in some cases nearly identical to lank, spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise.

the gymnast's spare figure

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of lank As Samara Morgan, the lank-haired little girl dressed in white and possessing deadly supernatural powers, at just 12 years old Chase became the ghostly face of the film and its most recognizable character. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 17 June 2026 Yet once Adam is fully in command of his sword, so to speak, and subjected to a brawny He-Man makeover that at least spares him the lank bowl cut of the original model, things get rather less spry. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 2 June 2026 There were snickers from some of the other students, including a tall and lank-haired kid whose name Adele didn’t know. — Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 On great banners overhead, the Jaguars' lank-haired quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, looks on impassively, his vibe somewhere between ’90s skate slacker and chisel-jawed jock. — Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026 My Hair Is your hair too frizzy, too lank, too fine, too curly, too anemic, too stringy? — Jeanne Malle, Air Mail, 7 Aug. 2025 Soon everywhere the hair was lank, the poses crumpled and morose, and the Azzedine dresses and bouclé suits traded in for flannels and peasant frocks. — Sally Singer, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2023 Most versions are also surprisingly lightweight, helping to make locks lustrous but not lank. — Jamie Wilson, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 June 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lank

Adjective

My hand instantly went numb, the wrist and fingers falling limp and useless.

— Todd Orr, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2026
The footage shows the rookie lifeguard, just 16 years old, holding onto a limp child as massive swells repeatedly pound the duo.

— Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of limp

Adjective

The floppy felt hat may still need a stronger lobbying effort outside Wimbledon and royal garden parties.

— Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 28 July 2026
The wings need intermediate stiffness (not too rigid, not too floppy), the tail must sit short and close to the body, and the exit angle has to land near 70 degrees.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 July 2026

Definition of floppy

Browse Nearby Words

languorous

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lanky

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“Lank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lank. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of lank

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