rank crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "rank crossword", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution for your puzzle.
Solutions for "rank crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TIER: A row or level of a structure, especially one of a series of rows placed one above another. Can denote a 'rank' or level within a hierarchy.
5 Letters
ORDER: A sequential or hierarchical position, or a command. Often used in crosswords to refer to a place within a system or hierarchy.
GRADE: A particular level of quality, ability, or status. This answer frequently appears as a synonym for 'rank' in crosswords.
LEVEL: A position on a scale of amount, quantity, or quality. Similar to grade or position, often fitting 'rank' clues.
STINK: To have a strong, unpleasant smell; colloquially, to be very bad. This is a common cryptic or less literal interpretation of 'rank' (as in 'rank odor' or 'rank amateur').
6 Letters
STRIPE: A bar or chevron worn on a uniform to denote military rank. This directly refers to an insignia of 'rank'.
STATUS: The relative social, professional, or other standing of someone or something. A direct synonym for 'rank' in the context of one's standing.
More About "rank crossword"
The word "rank" is a deceptively simple clue in crosswords due to its multiple meanings across different parts of speech. As a noun, it typically refers to a position or status, such as in a social hierarchy, a military structure, or a competitive listing. This leads to answers like ORDER, GRADE, or STATUS. As a verb, "to rank" means to classify or assign a position to something, aligning with meanings of LEVEL or sorting.
However, crossword setters frequently exploit the less common or more idiomatic uses of "rank." For instance, as an adjective, "rank" can describe something having a strong, unpleasant smell (a 'rank odor'), which might lead to answers like STINK. It can also describe something that is completely unqualified or utterly bad (a 'rank amateur'), introducing an element of surprise for solvers expecting a more straightforward synonym for 'position'.
Understanding the context provided by the rest of the clue, any accompanying wordplay indicators, and the intersecting letters from other answers is crucial when tackling a "rank crossword" clue. Always consider whether the clue is seeking a literal synonym for a position, a military insignia, or a more creative, cryptic interpretation related to smell or quality.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Parts of Speech: "Rank" can be a noun (position, status), a verb (to classify, to order), or an adjective (smelly, utter). Determine which form the clue implies.
- Think Military & Social Hierarchies: Many "rank" clues relate to military insignia (STRIPE, BAR), social standing (STATUS, CLASS), or competitive position (LEVEL, PLACE).
- Explore Cryptic Meanings: Don't overlook less common interpretations like "smell badly" (STINK) or "extremely bad" when direct synonyms aren't fitting. Crossword setters love these twists.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: The letters already filled in from intersecting words are your best friends. They will help eliminate incorrect answers and confirm the right one.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different meanings of "rank" that can appear in a crossword clue?
The word "rank" is highly versatile in crosswords. It can mean a position or level (noun, e.g., STATUS, GRADE, LEVEL), a strong and unpleasant smell (adjective, e.g., STINK), or to arrange or classify (verb, e.g., ORDER). Context from surrounding letters and other clues is key to distinguishing its intended meaning.
How can I determine the correct length for a "rank" clue?
The length of the answer for "rank" will depend entirely on the specific synonym or interpretation the setter has chosen. Use crossing letters from other solved clues to narrow down possibilities. For example, if you have 'R_A_K', the missing letters might suggest 'BREAK' (as in rank breaking) or 'RANK' itself. Always consider all possible letter counts.
Are there any common cryptic or informal uses of "rank" in crosswords?
Yes, beyond its literal meanings of position or status, "rank" is frequently used to imply a strong, unpleasant odor (as in 'rank smell' leading to STINK or ODOR) or something conspicuously bad or inferior (e.g., 'rank amateur'). Always be open to these less direct interpretations when stuck on a 'rank' clue.