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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
Health inspectors observed food debris between the gasket of the reach-in cooler, on a rack and on the floor of the walk-in freezer. Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025 Tuck a coat rack in the corner, and your small space does big work. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
His films have often dealt in an abstract way with the Civil War that racked Sri Lanka for 26 years. Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2025 Return to oven rack and bake until glazed and lightly charred in spots, about 6 minutes more. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack
Noun
  • Each bedroom is big enough to hold at least a full-size bed, if not larger, and there’s room to add some type of storage—a must-have for families who want to go tiny.
    Katrina Cossey, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The accommodations offer resort, coastline, or ocean views; king or double queen beds; balconies or ground-level patios; and optional Club level.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Cowley has suffered financial losses, lost time, anxiety and emotional distress because of the data breach, according to the complaint.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2025
  • With presidential elections not scheduled until at least 2027, however, Chetouane said the country is currently avoiding idiosyncratic distress.
    Hugh Leask, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The rest of the cast comes with big question marks after injuries and inconsistency plagued this group last season.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Cobweb Eight-year-old Peter is plagued by a mysterious, constant tap, tap from inside his bedroom wall — a tapping that his parents insist is all in his imagination.
    Caitlin White, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Within minutes, the driver pulls back onto the road to haul the feed to an Algoma dairy farm, where livestock will eat it.
    Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Coach Sean Payton, aggressively calling for a 2-point conversion after pulling to within 1 point and then unwrapping the perfect play call to capture the lead.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Pop on the pet power brush for tackling smaller surface areas prone to pet hair build up, like couches, armchairs, pet beds, and carpeted stairs.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Made with stylish chenille fabric, the cover won’t compromise the coziness of your couch.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Sesame oil is high in antioxidants that may help decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease, along with reducing joint pain related to arthritis.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Her pain and her grief can’t be hers alone.
    Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In Nazi Germany, transgender people were persecuted, barred from public life.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Blasphemy accusations have been used repeatedly to persecute Christians and other religious minorities in the country.
    Sean Nelson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Besides the standard touring equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel, probe), visitors need to carry little more than a sleeping bag and a toothbrush, since dormitory-style bunks and hearty meals are provided.
    Scott Yorko, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Adair, still in handcuffs, is then picked up from the wheelchair by several deputies and placed on his stomach on the bottom bunk in his cell, the KBI said.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rack. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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