rampant

adjective

ram·​pant ˈram-pənt How to pronounce rampant (audio)
also -ˌpant
Synonyms of rampant
1
a
: rearing upon the hind legs with forelegs extended
b
: standing on one hind foot with one foreleg raised above the other and the head in profile
—used of a heraldic animal
2
a
: marked by a menacing wildness, extravagance, or absence of restraint
rampant rumors
b
: profusely widespread
rampant weeds
rampantly adverb

Illustration of rampant

Illustration of rampant
  • a lion rampant

Synonyms of rampant

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Examples of rampant in a Sentence

a weed that's rampant in this area the mayor promised to put a stop to the rampant crime that plagued the city
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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.
For many young women, the long-standing American tradition of earning badges through community outreach activities and, yes, rampant cookie selling is the first step in a life devoted to public service. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 7 Aug. 2026 The threats came amid rampant speculation and scrutiny of the investigation, deepened in part by uncertainty surrounding Wells’ final hours, distrust of law enforcement and the state’s long history of racist violence. — Josh Kelety, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 Predictions of a lockout that would mean no baseball in 2027 were rampant. — Daniela Suarez, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026 The threats came amid rampant speculation and scrutiny of the investigation, deepened in part by uncertainty surrounding Wells' final hours, distrust of law enforcement and the state's long history of racist violence. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rampant

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rampaunt, rampand, borrowed from Anglo-French rampant "crawling, rampant (in heraldry)," from present participle of ramper "to climb, rear up on the hind legs, creep" — more at ramp entry 4

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rampant was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing rampant

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rampancy
rampant
rampantly
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Cite this Entry

“Rampant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rampant. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rampant

adjective
ram·​pant ˈram-pənt How to pronounce rampant (audio)
also -ˌpant
1
: standing on the hind legs like a horse rearing
2
: not checked in growth or spread
rumor ran rampant
rampantly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on rampant

Nglish: Translation of rampant for Spanish Speakers

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