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
The internet giant has long relied on Intel processors, dating back to its earliest server rack ambitions nearly three decades ago. Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026 The piece offers a rare glimpse at the behind-the-scenes experience of a royal stylist, as Harvey describes making regular journeys to Kensington Palace with racks of clothes for the royal bride to look at. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Apr. 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
  • The researchers say the technology goes back to the 90s, but the fabric for the hospital beds began development in 2017.
    Monique John, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Among them is Yvette Rodríguez, 61, who needs a sleep apnea machine, and her husband, Luis Soler, a 67-year-old veteran and double amputee, who relies on an electric adjustable bed.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The lawsuit includes claims for battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026
  • In 2025, the hospital treated 257 children with puberty blockers and 549 with hormonal therapy for gender dysphoria, which is distress at the gap between a person’s sense of their gender and the way the world sees them.
    Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But the Cubs’ offensive woes plagued them more than a misthrow from their reliever.
    Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
  • By the same token, one of the biggest bugs plaguing AMC’s The Audacity may be the timing.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But the next morning, the equipment had to be pulled.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Many Democrats are pulling endorsements and demanding Swalwell exit the race.
    Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Set near the foot of South Mountain and its 100 miles of trails, Wonderift adopts an earthy ethos, recycling grounds and providing a no-velvet-couch, no-frills hangout to hikers.
    Chris Malloy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Thao’s toddler grandson was napping on the couch when the immigration agents broke through the door on a Sunday afternoon and forced their way in with guns drawn, according to the family.
    Mark Vancleave, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • However, with a broader definition, women’s health now encompasses all of the conditions that affect women disproportionately, uniquely, and differently, from autoimmune conditions to chronic pain and dementia.
    Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Saatva mattresses are highly recommended for people with back and joint pain, as well as side sleepers.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • For years, deportations could be indefinitely delayed if an immigrant successfully argued that they’d be tortured or persecuted if they were returned home.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The Eduiot site includes photographs and audiovisual material, and features the accounts of parents, siblings, cousins, nephews and nieces of Jews persecuted and disappeared under the dictatorship.
    Juan Melamed, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Each Skynest includes six individual sleeping pods stacked in a bunk-style layout, allowing passengers to lie flat in a private space separate from their seats.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
  • In some ways, the lowest bunks are the most private.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rack

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster