rung 1 of 2

noun

ˈrəŋ How to pronounce rung (audio)
Definition of rungnext
1
as in level
the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement the greasy spoon restaurant was several rungs below the kind of establishment in which we usually dined

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in baton
Scottish a heavy rigid stick used as a weapon or for punishment the watchman usually carried a stout oak rung

Synonyms & Similar Words

rung

2 of 2

verb

past participle of ring
as in chimed
to make the clear sound heard when metal vibrates I didn't hear the doorbell ring

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 rung
Noun
Astronomers step onto the first rung using geometric measurements of distances to nearby stars called Cepheid variables. — Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2025 The worldwide smash lifts from the runner-up rung to the highest spot on the tally, becoming his first leader on the list of the tracks that reach the total largest audience across stations in the U.S. that play AC music – a more adult style of pop. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 Rosé appears just a few rungs above her on the same roster this week. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Boone beats that showing by a wide margin, requiring several more months before finally claiming the highest rung. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rung
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rung
  1. level
  2. baton
  3. position
  4. cane
  5. rank
  6. echelon
  7. ranking
  8. place
Noun
  • Barber also said its completion marked a new level of repair capabilities for advanced stealth fighters.
    — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The eggs are made from a durable fiberglass blend and feature a flat bottom to remain steady at surface level.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of level
Noun
  • The teen’s perspective comes five days after the 4×200 meter relay at a state indoor championship at Liberty University, during which Everett was seen striking her opponent, Kaelen Tucker, with a baton, according to local news outlet WSLS 10.
    — Sam Gillette, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Continue reading … 'JUST IN DISBELIEF' – High school track star bashed in head by opponent with baton.
    — Fox News, Fox News, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of baton
Noun
  • Hooper’s win over Guida and his matchup on Saturday position him to become something of a legend killer.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Zoom in: The painting shows Frederick Baker looking stoically at the observer, a position that offers him a level of stately elegance rarely extended to enslaved people.
    — Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of position
Noun
  • Cut Stems Back Using your bypass pruners, cut live canes back to 12 inches tall.
    — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Green, who is Black, regularly uses a cane to walk around the Capitol and has done so for years.
    — Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of cane
Noun
  • The Panthers have not had a player taken in the draft since 2020 and have had only four winning seasons since joining the FBS ranks in 2004.
    — Manny Navarro, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Eventually, Christ the King Catholic Church asked the family to leave its ranks.
    — Tony Holt, Arkansas Online, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of rank
Noun
  • Always looking to maximize profits, such airlines have come to believe that improved business class seats are the way forward, rendering the posh, private echelons at the pointy end of the plane redundant.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Key is the support from the higher echelons of power.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of echelon
Noun
  • Moana also returned to the movie rankings after two weeks outside the top 10 with 223 million minutes.
    — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That’s high praise for a player who until pretty recently was just trying to finish number-one in the PGA Tour University rankings.
    — Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of ranking
Noun
  • The Lesotho Communications Authority said the license would be in place for 10 years.
    — John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Violence of any kind—especially that threatens lives and public institutions—has no place in our commonwealth.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of place

Browse Nearby Words

runes
rung
rung down the curtain (on)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rung.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rung. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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