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
The Grill Panel can serve as a grill or boiling rack, and either panel can also be converted into a windshield to protect the flame from the wind. Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2026 Load your top rack with cups, mugs, glasses, stemware, plastic items, large utensils, and small bowls and plates. Jessica Elliott, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Iran has been racked by protests over the past several days around deteriorating economic conditions in the country, made worse by a growing water crisis and severe sanctions against Tehran. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 Jan. 2026 This coat rack supports up to 16 pounds and has eight hooks to store jackets, scarves, hats, and purses. Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack
Noun
  • The ballot measure advanced on Tuesday suggests a temporary 2% increase to the city’s 14% transient occupancy tax — often called a bed or hotel tax — dropping to a permanent post-Games 1% increase starting in 2029.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Northwestern is hoping to build a new tower with more than 200 beds on the campus of Northwestern Memorial in Streeterville.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Office conversions to residential, especially in New York City, are also helping mitigate some of the distress.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Only four districts face significant fiscal distress — a decline from prior years.
    John Manly, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The coach said the team took into account the possibility that Canada was also plagued by the same issue.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The grocery industry is a notoriously difficult business plagued by razor-thin margins and a highly perishable inventory.
    Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But looming is the question of whether the federal immigration officers who pulled the triggers in both cases actually broke the law, a question that will come down to complicated issues that are much harder to define than the outrage that prompted calls for accountability.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Morato also failed to connect with a golden opportunity to pull a goal back, shortly before Lorenzo Lucca finally did.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Ayers would head straight to the beat-up old couch, her friend would head to the stage to perform her poetry, and Ayers would feel recharged.
    Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The camera pans over and the adorable, singing Pokémon Jigglypuff is sitting on the couch.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Personality traits such as mental toughness, discipline, high pain tolerance and persistence may also lead to worsened eating disorder risk and behaviors in athletes.
    Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
  • And we are bound by ties of community, having attended the same summer camps, showed up at each other’s family celebrations, and felt each other’s pain.
    Lindsay Baach Friedmann, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Secret Agent’s primary setting is a house full of misfits and refugees in the northeastern city of Recife, a safe harbor from those persecuted by the country’s military regime, ruled over by the inimitable Dona Sebastiana (Tânia Maria, whose role was written specifically for her).
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2026
  • His previously peaceful world had been shattered when Vilna was occupied by the German army three months before and soon the Germans began to persecute and arrest Jews.
    Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Elsewhere, the children’s bunkroom pairs two built-in bunks with two captain’s beds tucked in their own alcoves.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Even as water started seeping into the cabins scattered along the riverbank, Edward Eastland insisted the campers stay put and climb to the top bunks, the lawsuit says.
    Hayley Walker, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rack. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on rack

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