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
Transfer to wire racks; cool completely. Shelly Westerhausen Worcel, Midwest Living, 15 May 2026 Clothes still hung on racks under a bright red Macy’s star at The Shops of Prairie Village. Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
Verb
There’s no shame in letting go of your treadmill that has been moonlighting as a clothes rack or your stationary bike that has collected more dust than miles—such equipment can take up a ton of space. Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026 Sure enough, in a subsequent watch-through-your-fingers climbing scene, a harrowing mishap leaves him dead and Sasha racked with guilt. Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack
Noun
  • Hotel Terra Jackson Hole is also dog-friendly, with the Noble Paws program offering amenities and packages for your pup, with options like a cozy dog bed, treat, toy, and food and water bowls.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
  • Outside, the property continues down the hillside in terraces meant for gathering, play and gardening, with landscaped areas and raised planting beds below.
    David Caraccio May 13, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Interfering with a fawn is discouraged; observe from a distance and contact wildlife professionals only if the fawn shows signs of injury, distress, or the mother's prolonged absence.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • There is tap-dancing, a wall that resembles the night sky, a prop headband that resembles a Plumbob, and the discovery that every actor onstage can imitate the animation a Sim does while in distress.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Despite that underlying tension, kids play on the street outside while the large family has a dynamic like any other — noisily squabbling, joking, or in the case of the matriarchal grandmother, Mariam (Hiam Abbass), preparing a meal in a kitchen plagued by constant utility outages.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
  • That's still an incredible class, especially considering the doldrums that have plagued the UCLA football program for the past decade plus.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • When Evans scored a short-handed goal off the rush, Ruff pulled Lyon for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Junior Aimee Colson led the Raiders in sacksand total flag pulls this season while senior RonNeisha Thomas led in interceptions.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • The fluffy black dog lounged on a dog bed near the couch in Landowski’s living room during an interview with the Star-Telegram.
    Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
  • The red couch had once been the warm center of family evenings.
    Nicholas Dawidoff, New Yorker, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and internal bleeding.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
  • Guilfoyle said helpful approaches include increasing enrichment and sniff-based activities on walks, providing more structured chewing opportunities, treating underlying nausea, reflux, pain or anxiety if present, and redirecting with food or toys before the dog starts grazing heavily.
    Diana Bocco, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Other human rights lawyers have been recently prosecuted in Russia, including Maria Bontsler, a prominent lawyer who defended individuals persecuted by politically motivated charges.
    Irwin Cotler, Time, 8 May 2026
  • Individuals with Jewish heritage through their father or a grandparent sometimes identified as Jewish or were persecuted for their Jewish heritage, as was the case under the Nazi regime.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • At one point, there were 18 friends and family members living together (a six-bed bunk room helps to squeeze everyone in).
    Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 13 May 2026
  • Officials told McElroy to take a top bunk bed, the complaint says, in violation of a policy saying pregnant inmates should be assigned bottom bunks to prevent injuries and falls.
    Abigail Brooks, NBC news, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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