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
Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack. Kate Bradshaw, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026 What about your fly rod display racks? Steve Metsch, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
Verb
The names describe the slightly different bike-holding styles each rack utilizes. Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 13 May 2026 The final decade of the artist’s life was itself marked by its own fraught geopolitics, with the political upheaval and global conflict that racked the world in the 1930s, prior to Klee’s death in 1940. Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack
Noun
  • The bed had 500 thread count linens and a robust pillow menu to meet different needs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • Wilhelm enters the room, removes most of his clothing and gets into bed with her, slaps her, pushes her away and then caresses her face and cradles her.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Jurors awarded Nancy Iskander another $35 million for serious emotional distress and $34 million to Zachary, the youngest brother, for emotional suffering.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • The filing alleges Hubbard experienced gastrointestinal illness, sepsis, and other long-term complications, while the child reported nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distress.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Yet that weariness doesn’t plague the music itself.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 6 June 2026
  • President Joe Biden's legacy is plagued by communication issues.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2026
  • In Istanbul, a corn vendor is pulling bigger crowds than some of the city’s monuments.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Junior Suites have significantly more space, with a couch to spread out on or pull out into an additional bed, and two bathrooms.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Baker sprawled across a leather couch.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • After a few words of introduction, Alexis started asking Graciela and me questions about our creative processes, about the importance of surprises in art, about the relationship between photographs and stories, about memory and mourning and pain.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • Hip osteoarthritis, a common cause of hip pain, affects about one in four people under the age of 85.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Jack Hayford, the founder of the King’s University, in Texas, claimed that the film was persecuting Christians, who only wanted to be treated equally.
    Isaac Butler, New Yorker, 30 May 2026
  • During and shortly after the Spanish Civil War, Franco’s regime, too, persecuted Esperantists for the language’s association with anti–nationalism and anarchism.
    Katie Thornton, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • The upper level of the home includes three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a spacious bonus room, a bunk room and a new rooftop terrace with panoramic water views.
    Joe Marusak June 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
  • 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, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rack. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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