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 Grill Panel can serve as a grill or boiling rack, and either panel can also be converted into a windshield to protect the flame from the wind. Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2026 Load your top rack with cups, mugs, glasses, stemware, plastic items, large utensils, and small bowls and plates. Jessica Elliott, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Iran has been racked by protests over the past several days around deteriorating economic conditions in the country, made worse by a growing water crisis and severe sanctions against Tehran. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 Jan. 2026 This coat rack supports up to 16 pounds and has eight hooks to store jackets, scarves, hats, and purses. Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack
Noun
  • The ballot measure advanced on Tuesday suggests a temporary 2% increase to the city’s 14% transient occupancy tax — often called a bed or hotel tax — dropping to a permanent post-Games 1% increase starting in 2029.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Northwestern is hoping to build a new tower with more than 200 beds on the campus of Northwestern Memorial in Streeterville.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Office conversions to residential, especially in New York City, are also helping mitigate some of the distress.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Only four districts face significant fiscal distress — a decline from prior years.
    John Manly, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In recent years, neighborhoods ranging from Hancock Park and Lincoln Heights to Mar Vista and Pico Union have been plagued by copper wire theft that darkens the streets.
    Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Christie has been one of the most consistent Mavericks in a season plagued by inconsistency.
    Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The fish must have pulled it loose in the grass.
    Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Gomis’ complex, patient scene construction lets such tensions lie and ripple and occasionally erupt, though there’s always too much going on for any single mini-drama to pull focus.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The fabric drapes for a put-together look equally suitable for lounging on a couch, sitting on a plane, running errands, or having brunch with friends.
    Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2026
  • In February 2024, Hutson shared a Valentine’s Day Instagram post of himself cuddled up with the actress on the couch.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Personality traits such as mental toughness, discipline, high pain tolerance and persistence may also lead to worsened eating disorder risk and behaviors in athletes.
    Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
  • And we are bound by ties of community, having attended the same summer camps, showed up at each other’s family celebrations, and felt each other’s pain.
    Lindsay Baach Friedmann, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Branding peaceful protesters as ‘terrorists,’ and Christians that are persecuted every year as ‘Zionist mercenaries,’ is nothing but scapegoating.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The Secret Agent’s primary setting is a house full of misfits and refugees in the northeastern city of Recife, a safe harbor from those persecuted by the country’s military regime, ruled over by the inimitable Dona Sebastiana (Tânia Maria, whose role was written specifically for her).
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Elsewhere, the children’s bunkroom pairs two built-in bunks with two captain’s beds tucked in their own alcoves.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Even as water started seeping into the cabins scattered along the riverbank, Edward Eastland insisted the campers stay put and climb to the top bunks, the lawsuit says.
    Hayley Walker, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rack. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on rack

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!