rack 1 of 2

Definition of racknext

rack

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rack different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of rack are afflict, torment, torture, and try. While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," rack stresses straining or wrenching.

a body racked by pain

When would afflict be a good substitute for rack?

Although the words afflict and rack have much in common, afflict is a general term and applies to the causing of pain or suffering or of acute annoyance, embarrassment, or any distress.

ills that afflict the elderly

When is it sensible to use torment instead of rack?

The meanings of torment and rack largely overlap; however, torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance.

a horse tormented by flies

Where would torture be a reasonable alternative to rack?

The words torture and rack can be used in similar contexts, but torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering.

tortured by a sense of guilt

When is try a more appropriate choice than rack?

The words try and rack are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control.

children often try their parents' patience

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 rack
Noun
The one-block stretch of Catalpa Avenue, from Clark Street to Ashland Avenue, is the neighborhood’s first pedestrian plaza, officials said, and will feature seating areas, trees, native plants, decorative lighting and bike racks. Evgenia Anastasakos, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2026 Hard to say because Eaton has wisely moved inside the server rack with its liquid cooling acquisition . Jim Cramer, CNBC, 17 June 2026
Verb
Channel your inner-Stewart and stock up on actually cute Skechers to refresh your shoe rack this season. Annie Blackman, InStyle, 5 June 2026 Seeing a person react with kindness and not ridicule – that’s radical at a time when American society seems racked with division and social media encourages public criticism and vitriol. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack
Noun
  • The agency also pays for 10 shelter beds at the Gateway Center and Salvation Army.
    Sara Gregory, AJC.com, 18 June 2026
  • Benji separated from Zack, patted the spot on the bed between them, and then opened up his arm as an invitation.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • The situation has caused significant distress for those visiting medical offices within the building, particularly the elderly and those with limited mobility.
    Bri Buckley, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • Lorraine Freedle, PhD, a sandplay therapist, educator, clinical psychologist and social worker and pediatric neuropsychologist in Hawaiʻi and New Mexico, says sandplay can support a range of mental health problems like anxiety, depression, or traumatic distress.
    Hannah Silverman, Parents, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • The high school exam board, CBSE, has faced public outrage over an electronic marking system plagued with technical glitches, during which students said answers were wrongly marked or, in some cases, answer sheets were omitted entirely.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 20 June 2026
  • The department said that all reopenings of the Reflecting Pool have been plagued by algae blooms and that vacuuming up the algae would take a couple of days.
    Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • This seasonal turn pulls you toward a time of reflection.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • To pull it off, the show’s creative team had to build a rock star from the ground up, crafting a visual identity, creating music that could stand on its own outside the series, and transforming Reid into a performer capable of owning a crowd rather than simply acting in front of one.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Instead, her then-boyfriend walked into her mother's living room and found a piece of his childhood waiting on the couch.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
  • Starlink is a communications network already in orbit, with some of its most strategically important customers in defense, maritime and aviation, not only on living-room couches.
    Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • His journey to becoming CEO of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge involves a buildup of pain and addiction.
    Adam Duxter, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • About two decades ago, Turner said, the healthcare industry started acknowledging the limits and risks of prescribing opioids for chronic pain.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Supporting people who have too often been, and continue to be, persecuted and othered would be a direct way to address the suffering.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 14 June 2026
  • It's partially inspired by director Benjamin Christensen's research on the German text Malleus Maleficarum, a guide to witchcraft for inquisitors looking to persecute its perpetrators.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • This meant that men and women couldn't share beds, and the girls would have to bunk with one another.
    Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
  • There's also a bunk room with three twin beds and a full bed (and a private bathroom, with a huge bathtub).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rack. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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