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.
Crime remains rampant, and the country’s political stability remains tenuous. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 The extremely soapy, enjoyably satirical true-life drama chronicles love, rampant betrayal and a brazen murder plot through three decades of the iconic Gucci fashion house. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 The federal government first created tax incentives for companies to implement employee ownership in the 1970s when stagflation was rampant and Washington wanted to generate more retirement assets for working Americans. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 In other industries in which rampant resale markets are problematic, including live music, some acts have blocked uncapped secondary markets. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 25 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

Browse Nearby Words

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 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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