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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
Multiple mirrors lined the walls alongside the reformers, with each machine accompanied by a mat and a Bosu ball, while a weight rack sat in a corner, no dumbbell heavier than 10 pounds. Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025 The kitchen dry storage rack with seasonings and lemon juice was dotted with 21 droppings. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
Afterward, Evie walked through the neighborhood and racked her brain. Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025 Nargis racks her brain for all the knowledge she’s ever accumulated and imparts it to her students. Mark Baron, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack
Noun
  • Customers can wrap the truck’s exterior paneling in a color or print of their choosing, as well as customize lighting and tires, and even convert the two-passenger flat bed truck into a 5-person SUV.
    Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Right now, top-selling furniture and home decor pieces from her line are up to 79 percent off, including area rugs, storage cabinets, bed frames, and more.
    Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Eileen’s imminent arrival is made even more dramatic when a younger woman named Thea (Imogen Poots) turns up at Hedda’s door in a state of distress.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
  • However, without Chinese demand, this abundant supply threatens to further depress prices and worsen farmers’ financial distress.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Tigers have been plagued by poor starting pitching, a thin bullpen and an offense that hasn’t played with the same spark since the All-Star break.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Aligning With San Francisco’s Health Care Security Ordinance San Francisco’s Health Care Security Ordinance was designed to expand access, but the system has long been plagued by complexity.
    Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The group routinely calls for removing books at public schools and played a role in Scottsdale Unified School District's decision to pull 16 books from its library shelves in February.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The air fryer itself is easy to clean by pulling the trays out and wiping the inside with a wet cloth.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Loneliness is the healthy emotion that nudges us to get off the couch and go be with people.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The Pro Bowl defensive tackle was tossed out of the Eagles’ home opener on Thursday night before many viewers had even gotten settled on their couches.
    Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There is little reason to assume that negotiations won’t continue after the court’s decision, because there are still myriad ways that the government can inflict pain on the university.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The goal of treatment is to care for the small wound, manage any pain, and avoid potential infection.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The decree eliminated many of the civil liberties in Germany, opening the way for the Nazis to persecute their opponents.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 Sep. 2025
  • More and more, people who have loyally served Putin’s system are being persecuted, mainly on the grounds of corruption.
    ANDREI KOLESNIKOV, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Deputies then transported him back to his cell, where he was placed on the lower bunk.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Deep Submergence Lab, to come out of the ship’s bunk and see for himself.
    David Chiu, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rack. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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