RANK Synonyms: 373 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

rank 1 of 3

verb

Definition of rank

as in to be

to take or have a certain position within a group arranged in vertical classes my favorite pitcher ranks first in the league for number of consecutive outs

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Relevance

as in to classify

to arrange or assign according to type most critics would rank him among our best actors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rank

2 of 3

noun

ˈraŋk

as in ranking

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

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as in dignity

high position within society remembered as a woman of rank who socialized only with other members of the elite

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in row

a series of people or things arranged side by side rank upon rank of cavalry came thundering down the hill

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as in category

usually ranks plural one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic this book will someday join the ranks of the world's great novels

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rank

3 of 3

adjective

as in rampant

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ripe

having an unpleasant smell smokes rank cigars that usually send me running for fresh air

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obvious

very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad the article about fairy tales was full of rank errors, such as a reference to "Cinderella biting into the poisoned apple"

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as in absolute

having no exceptions or restrictions a sidewalk sale of art works by rank amateurs

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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

The Sydney, Australia, native did not see any game action during his true freshman season at UCLA, but he was ranked as the ninth best punter in his class by Chris Sailer Kicking and a three-star recruit by ESPN. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 Woodland finished Sunday’s tournament ranked 18th on the entire tour in FedEx Cup points. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026

Noun

The Dodgers rank near the bottom in MLB in scoring and OPS in August, prompting manager Dave Roberts to question their hunger. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 Redgrift and Forest’s ascent through the gallery’s ranks often followed parallel trajectories, and both were promoted following an earlier restructuring in 2021. — News Desk, Artforum, 17 Aug. 2026

Adjective

The rank bigotry of a neo-Nazi newsletter filters through folks like Sean’s parents and sister (a very funny Kate Berlant) — which is to say conservatives, but mostly amiable ones. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for rank

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rank

Verb

There are steps everywhere, apart from the restaurant, and access on and off the boats can be a bit tricky.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
According to the District Attorney’s Office, there were 571 parole hearings scheduled last year for people sentenced in San Diego to life in prison.

— Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of be

Verb

The blaze was quickly upgraded to a third-alarm fire, which is classified as a major emergency that requires a high level of response.

— Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
The ranking measures the most popular tracks classified as both Latin and rhythm, according to Billboard, with the melding of the styles encompassing pieces of other subgenres as well, including reggaeton and Latin hip-hop.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of classify

Noun

And how much of a team’s ranking is based on program history versus the number of returning starters — or perhaps the impact of portal recruits and/or true freshmen?

— Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Their bottom-of-the-barrel ranking in sacks, pressure rate, and interceptions could not sit well with a defense-minded head coach.

— Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of ranking

Noun

Currently, the backyard has a row of Adirondack chairs that look out to the other side of the river and Huckleberry Hill in Avon.

— James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Pictures from the excavation show rows of stone burial chambers at the site, along with human remains, pottery and other artifacts.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of row

Noun

Book facing the ocean to catch the dramatic sunsets, and choose the Sapphire Junior Suite or any room category above it to gain access to Haute Living, a private lounge stocked with complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
The framework scores models across risk categories, including cybersecurity, biological and chemical weapons, and a model’s ability to act autonomously.

— Ashish Bhatia, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of category

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rank. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rank

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Synonyms of rank

verb

noun

adjective

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