rack 1 of 2

Definition of racknext

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
Copper, once the default choice inside racks and rows, is struggling to meet the demands of 224Gbps and approaching 448Gbps lanes. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026 The facility was improperly cooling cooked chicken on a speed rack. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
So, too, is the notion that our schools are racked by culture wars. Jonathan Zimmerman, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025 Instead, place on the center rack out of caution. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack
Noun
  • The changes then alter the distribution of species and damages ecosystems such as reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and kelp forests.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Mercury Row Hegg Linen Tufted Upholstered Platform Bed Shopping for a bed can be pricy, which is why this platform option—discounted by more than $700—immediately caught my eye.
    Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The West African nation was last year among 23 sub-Saharan African countries at risk of debt distress, according to the World Bank, and rising debt service costs have long stymied government spending in vital areas such as education, health, and infrastructure.
    Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The complaint claims that ChatGPT romanticized death and reassured Gordon during moments of emotional distress.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Lingering odors, discoloration, stains, and bacterial growth are issues that plague older bath towels; snagging a new set will make your bathroom look and smell better.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Kubasik sees this as the first step toward shaking up an industry long plagued by oligopolistic hangovers and kicking off a new wave of dealmaking.
    Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Environmental justice and conservation advocates’ push to advance a bill aimed at strengthening California’s Environmental Quality Act stalled, as the measure was pulled from Monday’s hearing agenda.
    Chaewon Chung Updated January 12, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 2026
  • McHale hosted from 2004 to 2015, pulling double duty during the latter half of his time there with his role as Jeff Winger on Community.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • If your couch covers are removable, add them to the load or the next.
    Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Meanwhile, a bloodied Siebenaller sat silently on the couch nearby, the affidavit alleges.
    Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • So Skinny Pedro had experienced the pain of seeing his dream simultaneously realized and shattered.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Hannah tells the jury how the pain affected her.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Open Doors is a global Christian charity supporting Christians persecuted for their faith.
    Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
  • Most commonly, people felt they were being persecuted via their electronics – that their Wi-Fi networks, computers or cellphones had been hacked or implanted with tracking devices.
    Alaina Vandervoort Burns, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Throughout the six-episode series, former contestants will compete to transform the beloved Bachelor mansion spaces, including the bunk rooms, the rose room, the pool area, the mixer room, the terrace and the kitchen.
    Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
  • In the first episode, contestants will have to test their math skills while updating the Bachelor Mansion’s bunk rooms.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rack

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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