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Definition of rankly

rankly

/ˈræŋk.li/
rank · ly
Adjective:rank
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rankly Lexical Profile

rankly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a gross, flagrant, or utterly offensive manner; to an extreme and objectionable degree.

Example

"The committee dismissed the proposal as rankly unfair to the local residents."

2

With excessive, coarse, or unrestrained growth (especially of weeds or vegetation).

Example

"Nettles and brambles grew rankly across the neglected courtyard."

3

With a strong, foul, or fetid odor.

Example

"The stagnant water in the ditch smelled rankly of decaying leaves."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for rankly

• Nearby Words

ranker
ranking
rankle
rankly
rankness
ransack
ransom

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'ranclice', originally meaning 'proudly' or 'boldly', derived from the adjective 'ranc' (proud, strong, or overbearing) combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rankly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rankly
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