Quick answer
Arrant means complete, utter, or downright, usually in a negative sense. It is usually pronounced AR-unt, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Arrant
Arrant describes someone or something that is complete, utter, or downright, usually in a negative sense. It belongs to shakespearean and stagey words and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
shakespeareanstageydramatic
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If something is arrant, it is complete, utter, or downright, usually in a negative sense. The word usually adds a stronger tone than a simpler adjective, which is why it suits vivid writing so well.
Why this word feels absurd
Arrant feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Arrant is generally traced to middle English, historically tied to intensifying meaning. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Arrant is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- The claim was arrant nonsense from start to finish.
- She dismissed the rumor as arrant fabrication.
- His apology was too thin to cover the arrant selfishness of the act.
- Using arrant makes criticism sound deliciously old-fashioned.
When should you use this word?
Use arrant when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
Utter, Complete, Absolute, Downright
Opposite or contrasting words
Partial, Qualified, Limited
Common questions
- What does arrant mean? complete, utter, or downright, usually in a negative sense.
- How do you pronounce arrant? It is commonly pronounced AR-unt.
- Is arrant still used today? Arrant is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use arrant? Use arrant when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to arrant? Similar words include Utter, Complete, Absolute, and Downright.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.