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
Press freedoms across Africa are already fragile, with most nations ranking in the lower half of an influential press freedoms index, while numerous recent coups have contributed to a weakening of democratic norms in parts of the continent. Jenny Vaughan, semafor.com, 29 June 2026 Lewandowski joins a Chicago team that ranks third in the Eastern Conference with 26 points over 14 games at the league’s break for the World Cup. Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Noun
That vote took place after the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union that represents rank-and-file officers, threatened to sue, saying the city’s labor negotiators had failed to meet and confer with the union on the changes. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 Another one of the artifacts returned is an Ẹroro bell—the bells were worn by Benin warriors as signifiers of rank. News Desk, Artforum, 30 June 2026
Adjective
The twin sons of former NBA player Theo Ratliff moved up 34 spots and 20 spots, respectively, in the site’s latest re-rank. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026 Cultivate trusted cross-rank advocacy and networks to support junior employees. Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank
Verb
  • There were kids battling adults of the same age as their parents.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • Projections varied in the weeks leading up to the draft with no real consensus among draft analysts, but in the last 24 hours there were strong indications the Clippers would choose Wagler and the Nets would take Brown.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Companies need to have an airtight hold on their own sourcing data—an understanding not only of where the materials and inputs are coming from, but how to substantiate their claims and classify customs entries with precision.
    Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 26 June 2026
  • Gambling disorder is now classified in the same section in the DSM as substance abuse disorders because of the similarities in clinical presentation and treatment.
    Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Songs in America Six albums by Jackson live on the Billboard charts, and nearly three times as many songs from the superstar can be located on at least one ranking.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • Though fireworks are only allowed in the Lone Star state for a total of 25 days per year, North Texas hosts one of the nation’s best Fourth of July firework shows, according to a new ranking from USA TODAY.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Educators, administrators, first responders, health care workers and front-line service providers must be required to receive training that promotes cultural understanding and dignity as the principles of service for Muslim and Arab communities.
    Tazheen Nizam, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026
  • It is pursued through courage, determination, and the belief that every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and the right to shape their own future.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Fans have been seen performing the row on an escalator in Boston.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 1 July 2026
  • Inside, more than 120 humanoids stand in neat rows, each performing a specific task repeatedly, from sorting packages or changing diapers to scooping popcorn, guided by human trainers with handheld controllers next to them.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Trump valued more than two dozen assets at over $50 million, which is the highest disclosure category on the form.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 July 2026
  • The report also highlighted improvements in clearance rates and an overall decrease in major crime categories, including robberies.
    CBS Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • The report fueled rampant speculation as fans scrambled to scrutinize the duo's interactions in interviews and on the red carpet.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026
  • Wilde’s 2022 psychological thriller, headlined by Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, descended into tabloid chaos amid rampant speculation over an apparent feud between Pugh and Wilde, plus the romance between Wilde and Styles that allegedly originated during production.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Not only is Earth's closest celestial neighbor a pristine time capsule ripe for study – preserved almost unaltered throughout the course of billions of years – but the moon is viewed as a stepping stone for human exploration deeper into the cosmos.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Alongside ripe avocados, fresh tomatoes, and spices, this dip is topped with queso blanco and pomegranate seeds.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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