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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Americans who are concerned today about the rampant corruption of our political system and capture of our economy should take note, show up and make sure their voices are heard in our own elections next week. — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026 The newspaper’s closure follows years of pressure As part of the Kremlin’s rampant crackdown on critics, Novaya Gazeta was fined after it was accused of discrediting Russia’s armed forces. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 Power outages have been rampant across the country over the past year, disrupting everyday life. — Gerard Toal, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026 That set off a wave of youth protests blaming the collapse on high-level corruption, cronyism and rampant graft during renovation work at the station. — Jovana Gec, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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
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