Ramrod — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective verb adverb /ˈram-ˌräd/ ram·rod

Meaning & Definition of Ramrod

Ramrod (noun)

  1. a rod for ramming home the charge in a muzzle-loading firearm
  2. a cleaning rod for small arms
  3. boss, overseer

Ramrod (adjective)

  1. marked by rigidity, severity, or stiffness

Ramrod (verb)

  1. to force with a ramrod —often used figuratively
  2. to direct, supervise, and control

Ramrod (adverb)

  1. in a fully upright position, rigidly

Ramrod (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint

    "a ramrod camp director who's been known to send kids home for a minor infraction of the rules"

    similar: austere, authoritarian, flinty, hard, harsh, heavy-handed, rigid, rigorous, severe, stern, strict, tough
    related: demanding, exacting, uncharitable, unforgiving, adamant, adamantine, callous, hardened, hard-hearted, hard-line, immovable, implacable, inflexible, merciless, ossified, pitiless, relentless, rock-ribbed, stiff, unbending, uncompromising, unrelenting, unsparing, unyielding, dour, gruff, ascetic, monastic, monkish, browbeating, bullying, determined, firm, resolved, single-minded, steadfast, unflinching, dogged, intractable, obstinate
    opposite: clement, forbearing, gentle, indulgent, lax, lenient, tolerant
    near: easy, easygoing, laid-back, undemanding, charitable, kind, merciful, mild, patient, soft, softhearted, accepting, compromising, yielding, responsive, willing, acquiescent, agreeable, amenable, complaisant, compliant, flexible, pliable, pliant

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Ramrod

The most common words with a similar meaning to Ramrod:

austere, authoritarian, flinty, hard, harsh, heavy-handed, rigid, rigorous, severe, stern, strict, tough

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Ramrod

Words with the opposite meaning of Ramrod:

clement, forbearing, gentle, indulgent, lax, lenient, tolerant

Related Words for Ramrod

demanding, exacting, uncharitable, unforgiving, adamant, adamantine, callous, hardened, hard-hearted, hard-line, immovable, implacable, inflexible, merciless, ossified, pitiless, relentless, rock-ribbed, stiff, unbending, uncompromising, unrelenting, unsparing, unyielding, dour, gruff, ascetic, monastic, monkish, browbeating

Near Antonyms of Ramrod

easy, easygoing, laid-back, undemanding, charitable, kind, merciful, mild, patient, soft, softhearted, accepting, compromising, yielding, responsive, willing, acquiescent, agreeable, amenable, complaisant, compliant, flexible, pliable, pliant

Word Forms of Ramrod

Inflections: ramrodded, ramrodding, ramrods

Origin & Etymology of Ramrod

First known use: 1706

Words & Phrases Containing Ramrod

ramrod straight, straight as a ramrod

Frequently Asked Questions about Ramrod

What does "Ramrod" mean?

"Ramrod" means a rod for ramming home the charge in a muzzle-loading firearm. As an a noun, an adjective, a verb and an adverb, it is defined as: a rod for ramming home the charge in a muzzle-loading firearm.

What is another word for "Ramrod"?

Other words for "Ramrod" include austere, authoritarian, flinty, hard, harsh, heavy-handed, rigid and rigorous. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Ramrod" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Ramrod"?

There are 52 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Ramrod". Common alternatives include austere, authoritarian, flinty, hard, harsh, heavy-handed, rigid, rigorous, severe and stern.

What is the opposite of "Ramrod"?

Antonyms of "Ramrod" include clement, forbearing, gentle, indulgent, lax, lenient and tolerant. Near antonyms include easy, easygoing, laid-back and undemanding.

How do you use "Ramrod" in a sentence?

Examples of "Ramrod" in a sentence: "a ramrod camp director who's been known to send kids home for a minor infraction of the rules".

Is "Ramrod" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Ramrod" can be used as a noun, an adjective, a verb and an adverb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Ramrod"?

"Ramrod" is pronounced /ˈram-ˌräd/ and divided into syllables as ram·rod.

What is the origin of the word "Ramrod"?

First known use: 1706.