Synonyms of rack

rack 1 of 2

noun

1

as in bed

a place set aside for sleeping

the clock struck midnight, signaling that it was time to hit the rack

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bed
• couch
• bunk
• mattress
• sack
• sofa
• pallet
• crib
• pad
• hay
• doss
• lair
• kip
• bedstead
• futon
• hammock
• studio couch
• daybed
• bunk bed
• cot
• cradle
• water bed
• sofa bed
• trundle bed
• feather bed
• bassinet
• Murphy bed
• sleigh bed
• shakedown
• carry-cot
• four-poster

2

as in distress

a state of great suffering of body or mind

suffering the rack of a sprained ankle, the climber had to make his way back down the mountain to camp

felt the rack of regret after losing her temper with her teenagers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distress
• pain
• agony
• misery
• anguish
• torture
• torment
• discomfort
• hurt
• woe
• strait(s)
• tribulation
• pang
• cross
• travail
• excruciation
• difficulty
• emergency
• sorrow
• affliction
• trouble
• crucible
• sadness
• heartbreak
• hardship
• danger
• trial
• ache
• heartache
• stitch
• pinch
• unhappiness
• soreness
• jeopardy
• twinge
• throe
• joylessness
• smarting
• asperity
• rigor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• consolation
• comfort
• ease
• relief
• solace
• security
• alleviation
• peace
• assuagement
• well-being

rack

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to plague

to cause persistent suffering to

the young man was racked with guilt over the lie he had told to his parents

the country has been racked by years of civil war

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plague
• persecute
• torture
• afflict
• attack
• besiege
• torment
• bother
• curse
• excruciate
• harrow
• anguish
• sting
• trouble
• beset
• bedevil
• agonize
• strike
• ride
• dog
• grate
• pursue
• hound
• overwhelm
• disturb
• try
• put out
• distress
• pain
• assail
• hurt
• badger
• stress
• annoy
• strain
• bug
• gall
• aggravate
• molest
• worry
• harass
• pique
• get
• discomfort
• crush
• agitate
• stab
• smart
• chafe
• perturb
• oppress
• prick
• nettle
• smite
• rile
• irritate
• hagride
• victimize
• gripe
• fluster
• wring
• pester
• discompose
• harry
• upset
• overpower
• rasp
• irk
• exasperate
• grieve
• peeve
• martyr
• tyrannize
• vex
• disquiet
• pang

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assist
• help
• aid
• relieve
• deliver
• release
• abet
• console
• content
• comfort
• quiet
• soothe
• reprieve
• succor
• solace

2

as in to pull

to injure by overuse, misuse, or pressure

she racked her brain trying to remember where she'd put the money

the sails of the boat were racked by the storm's winds

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pull
• damage
• strain
• stretch
• hurt
• weaken
• wrench
• bruise
• wound
• tax
• impair
• tear
• fray
• batter
• harm
• cripple
• mangle
• mutilate
• lame

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

Recent Examples of rack

Noun

Too many items or mismatched pieces on open shelves and racks can make a room look disorganized and messy. — Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 16 Aug. 2026

Folding drying racks provide plenty of hanging space and collapse for storage. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 2026

Verb

Big mistake, though arguably only slightly more stupid than Susan, who stacks the dishwasher cutlery rack with the knives blade up. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026

Diaz reportedly responded by racking his handgun and firing at Martinez’s feet. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

Phrases Containing rack

• on the rack
• rack up