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rack

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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
In May 2023, six months after he was elected, a Moskowitz for Congress T-shirt ended up for sale on a rack in a Marshalls in Coral Springs, in his congressional district. Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025 Start with a dreamy dress and a sunny work blouse, then hit the virtual racks stocked with brands like Zimmermann, Toteme, and The Row. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 26 May 2025
Verb
Krystal Sieben took her children to a horse ranch and watched as her 8-year-old son with autism, racked with fear, was on the verge of tears. Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025 Refugee groups have questioned why the white South Africans are being prioritized ahead of people from countries racked by war and natural disasters. Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack
Noun
  • Thereafter, she was sent home to rest, spending the next two weeks in bed before having a follow-up brain scan.
    Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • These sheets truly are buttery-smooth and cool to the touch—even after being in bed for hours at a time.
    Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • That places an onerous burden on Henson, doing her considerable best trying to sustain a role whose Job-like travails crank the distress level to 11 too soon.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 June 2025
  • The report highlights research on young adults that shows that trans students who participate in collegiate sports are less likely to experience distress, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Inside a Palm Beach County courtroom, Judge Kathleen Kroll is trying to tackle a problem that has plagued Florida schools in recent years: An alarming number of students aren’t showing up for school.
    Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
  • But visa issues may plague the lead-up to the event — and not just for athletes but the vast Olympics ecosystem, from coaches and families to sponsors and vendors to, of course, attendees.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Brands began to pull together resources to support refugees.
    Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023
  • The 13-minute performance will likely call for a healthy dose of vibrant, colored lighting to pull it all together.
    Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 10 Feb. 2023
Noun
  • There’s something a little bit magical happening with weatherproof sofas and couches right now.
    Erika Owen, Vogue, 7 June 2025
  • On Friday, June 6, the Working Girl actress, 67, shared a snap on Instagram of herself sitting on the couch in her 28-year-old daughter Stella's fiancé's new studio in Los Angeles.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Winant crystallizes this idea of crossing a indescribable threshold through her discussion and analysis of masochism, an intrinsic component of athletic practice that intertwines physical pleasure with pain.
    Jessica Simmons-Reid, Artforum, 1 June 2025
  • The primary question negotiators must settle is how to share the pain of shrinking water supplies between the Upper Basin — which includes Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah — and the Lower Basin states of Arizona, California and Nevada.
    Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • Leopoldo chose to be the voice of the people who elected him, and was persecuted for it.
    Imamu "Mu" Tomlinson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • After being persecuted for the nature of her work, the political scientist arrived to the U.S. in 2022 on a visa.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Several steps up from the camp bunks of your youth, the suites come with a kitchenette, a freestanding gas fireplace, and an en-suite deep soaking tub and rainfall shower.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
  • Who takes the lower bunk, the middle bunk or the higher bunk?
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rack. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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