rank 1 of 3

Definition of ranknext

rank

2 of 3

noun

1
as in ranking
the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement attained the highest rank in the Freemasons

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in row
a series of people or things arranged side by side rank upon rank of cavalry came thundering down the hill

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

rank

3 of 3

adjective

1
as in rampant
growing thickly and vigorously covered with trumpet vines so rank you couldn't see the trellis beneath them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word rank distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of rank are fetid, fusty, malodorous, musty, noisome, putrid, and stinking. While all these words mean "bad-smelling," rank suggests a strong unpleasant smell.

rank cigar smoke

How do fusty and musty relate to one another, in the sense of rank?

Both fusty and musty suggest lack of fresh air and sunlight, fusty also implying prolonged uncleanliness, musty stressing the effects of dampness, mildew, or age.

a fusty attic
the musty odor of a damp cellar

When is malodorous a more appropriate choice than rank?

The synonyms malodorous and rank are sometimes interchangeable, but malodorous may range from the unpleasant to the strongly offensive.

malodorous fertilizers

In what contexts can noisome take the place of rank?

While the synonyms noisome and rank are close in meaning, noisome adds a suggestion of being harmful or unwholesome as well as offensive.

a stagnant, noisome sewer

When might putrid be a better fit than rank?

Although the words putrid and rank have much in common, putrid implies particularly the sickening odor of decaying organic matter.

the putrid smell of rotting fish

How are the words stinking and fetid related as synonyms of rank?

Both stinking and fetid suggest the foul or disgusting.

prisoners were held in stinking cells
the fetid odor of skunk cabbage

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 rank
Verb
With a dozen more projects on the way, the LNG export sector ranks with the AI/data center sector as two of America’s fastest-growing industries. David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 Since then, Italy has consistently ranked among Maldives’ largest tourism markets. Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
Noun
Gregg Hull, a former three-term mayor of Rio Rancho on the outskirts of Albuquerque, wants New Mexico to join the ranks of states with no personal income tax like Texas and Wyoming. Morgan Lee, Fortune, 15 May 2026 The Giants’ rookie manager, straight out of the college ranks, had a perfect, frictionless opportunity to establish his authority in a big-league clubhouse. Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
Adjective
Cultivate trusted cross-rank advocacy and networks to support junior employees. Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 Cosby’s good guys do things that outpace the rankest villainy in the work of other crime writers. Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank
Verb
  • On one side there was a swing, a slide and a tricycle.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • In addition to traditional treatments, there are holistic therapies like sound healing, Reiki, and shirodhara, an ancient Ayurvedic remedy.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • The incident being classified as a homicide, according to Skokie police.
    Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
  • Silicone and plastic are both classified as polymers, but they are built differently at the molecular level.
    Ryan Brennan May 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Here’s how these six rising sports stars ascended the earnings ranking.
    Brett Knight, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • That ranking is exactly what STOMP is designed to produce.
    Ryan Brennan May 22, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • The Ahmadiyya Muslim community believes that protecting human life and dignity is a sacred responsibility.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 22 May 2026
  • As the institutions that hold democracy together are quietly hollowed out and the very definition of democracy is rewritten as being simply majority rule, universal values – human dignity and the rule of law – are replaced with a fierce nationalism, a proud victimhood, and a rewriting of history.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
Noun
  • For instance, there are limits on how many lap children can sit in a single row due to the availability of oxygen masks.
    Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2026
  • The Huskies, who lost their first four games of the season, hit their stride in conference play, going 15-6 to win a share of the title for the sixth year in a row, with Marshall, Suchy and freshman of the year Cam Righi winning conference individual honors.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • There aren’t many historical comparisons for Bumila beyond the broader category of high school pitchers.
    Keith Law, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • Even the most basic categories include a proper work setup, seating area, and oversized marble bathrooms.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Adjective
  • Even before auditions started, there’s been rampant speculation about who might wield Bond’s Walther PPK, with everyone from Jacob Elordi to Callum Turner and Aaron Taylor-Johnson rumored to be in contention for the role.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 14 May 2026
  • Dalila Santiago, a close friend and leader in López’s movement, said after rampant impunity in Honduras, Fúnez’s detention came as a shock.
    Marlon González, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • The scam driving the narrative is a live one, featuring the Gowanus Canal, then New York City’s most polluted body of water and ripe for development, a few dozen blocks north of Little Odessa.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • Refrigerating ripe bananas can slow further ripening for several days, though the peels may darken quickly.
    Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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