Synonyms of lank

lank

adjective

ˈlaŋk 

as in limp

not stiff in structure

right after a shower, her lank hair hung down to her shoulders

Synonyms & Similar Words

• limp
• floppy
• flaccid
• droopy
• soft
• yielding
• flabby
• relaxed
• loose
• delicate
• squashy
• mushy
• insubstantial
• squishy
• pliant
• flimsy
• supple
• flexible
• elastic
• lax
• springy
• resilient
• stretchy
• semisoft

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rigid
• stiff
• inflexible
• sturdy
• tense
• strong
• resilient
• sound
• solid
• firm
• hard
• brittle
• dense
• substantial
• indurated
• crisp
• compact

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of lank

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

In the 1500s, the figure of the child-eater emerged — with lank greasy hair and torn clothes, cramming children into his mouth. —Deena Prichep, NPR, 8 Dec. 2025

My Hair Is your hair too frizzy, too lank, too fine, too curly, too anemic, too stringy? —Jeanne Malle, Air Mail, 7 Aug. 2025

Her hair is lank across her pillow. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2025

Fast-forward two decades or so, and Ari (Andranic Manet) is a nervous, lank-haired 27-year-old attempting to teach poetry to a rowdy, distracted class of primary school children. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Feb. 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