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

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
Bake on the middle rack of the heated oven until the top is puffed and lightly golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026 The prosecutor argued that Officer Noonan showed restraint that day, only shooting when Fitzsimmons performed the tap-rack and pointed the gun. Matt Schooley, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
The country is still racked by gang violence that has displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 Shot in black-and-white, the resulting photos have an elegiac quality and suggest the eventual mortality of any innovation or craze—ashes to ashes, rack-and-pinion steering to rack-and-pinion steering. Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack
Noun
  • New Era, a 200-bed facility, has had recurring outbreaks of Legionella, the bacteria that grow within water and air conditioning systems and can cause Legionnaires’ Disease, records show.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The sight of a heated and jet-equipped hydrotherapy pool greets you at check in, and is flanked by relaxation day beds, a sauna, and a steam room.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There is a long history of women's pain being dismissed by doctors, incorrectly categorized as period pain or rooted in psychological distress.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The lawsuit accuses the driver, named as a defendant, of assault and battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
    Nick Lentz, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, some good news is in the forecast for the drought- and heat-plagued West, as a cool, wet and even snowy pattern is forecast to bring some relief that's desperately needed across the region.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • While the company ultimately plans to build a 104-station tunnel network beneath Las Vegas, the project has also been plagued by safety issues, accidents, and scandals.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • On their first night in Guangzhou, while Joost was in the private shower attached to their room, Martha pulled her money pouch from the recesses of her pack and counted her traveller’s checks.
    Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • For the Canucks, Nikita Tolopilo was beaten four times on 11 shots before getting pulled early in the second.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In the clip, shared by @whit_fashionfinds, footage from inside her living room shows her teen on hands and knees pushing clutter across the floor and underneath the couch.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • And the shots of nature are very pretty indeed — the documentary might inspire you, once you’re done watching, or even sooner, to get off the couch and go into the world.
    Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Initially the pain is pretty severe, but after a little bit it kind of winds down.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The Environmental Protection Agency issued emergency waivers to allow E15 gasoline sales, which is otherwise only allowed for part of the year due to environmental concerns, in an effort to ease pain at the gas pump earlier this week.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The helpless and much persecuted turtles were cooked in a rich, creamy soup with chunks of meat.
    James Stout, Outside, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The Iranian regime has persecuted members of her own family.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Participants can also select traditional, all-male or all-female bunk-style cabins or upgrade to their own private room or cabin.
    Robin Roenker, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Ramos was found unresponsive in his bunk by Adelanto security staff on March 25.
    Julie Sharp, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rack. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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