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
Bake on the middle rack of the heated oven until the top is puffed and lightly golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026 The prosecutor argued that Officer Noonan showed restraint that day, only shooting when Fitzsimmons performed the tap-rack and pointed the gun. Matt Schooley, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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 Rinse the sink rack well with hot water, then place it back in the bottom of the sink. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack
Noun
  • As of Wednesday, fans can request to book a stay at the 5-bathroom home — whose exact location will be provided upon booking — boasts 5 beds across four bedrooms.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
  • After pushing Doe onto the bed for a third time, Declyn allegedly held her down while Doe asked to be let up.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In recent years, the military has become increasingly dependent on chaplains to help address the growing numbers of troops in mental health distress.
    Tiffany Stanley, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
  • For the controller handling both ground and tower communications in this period, the United flight’s distress was a significant situation that posed its own concerns.
    Colleen Mondor, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, some good news is in the forecast for the drought- and heat-plagued West, as a cool, wet and even snowy pattern is forecast to bring some relief that's desperately needed across the region.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • While the company ultimately plans to build a 104-station tunnel network beneath Las Vegas, the project has also been plagued by safety issues, accidents, and scandals.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • On their first night in Guangzhou, while Joost was in the private shower attached to their room, Martha pulled her money pouch from the recesses of her pack and counted her traveller’s checks.
    Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • For the Canucks, Nikita Tolopilo was beaten four times on 11 shots before getting pulled early in the second.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • My father, at this point, was laying on the couch, half asleep.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • March Madness often requires a kind of commitment that keeps you planted on the couch, eyes fixed on the TV, snacks within reach.
    Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Initially the pain is pretty severe, but after a little bit it kind of winds down.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The Environmental Protection Agency issued emergency waivers to allow E15 gasoline sales, which is otherwise only allowed for part of the year due to environmental concerns, in an effort to ease pain at the gas pump earlier this week.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • An immigration judge has previously found that she would be persecuted by the Israeli government if she was removed there.
    Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Some had been granted the opportunity to stay after proving to immigration judges that they would probably be persecuted if returned to their homeland.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Lani Ryan, the organizer of the GoFundMe fundraiser, said her grandson, Julius, was attacked by a pit bull inside his home while resting in the bottom bunk after returning from a spring break spent with her and Julius’ brother at Great Wolf Lodge.
    Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The four-bedroom also features vaulted ceilings and large windows with Gore Range views, plus a chef’s kitchen, den, bunk room, and gym.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rack. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

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