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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
Place a wire rack on top of pan; place one hand on top of rack and other hand under pan with a hot pad and invert pan with rack; cool shortcake. Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025 Preheat broiler with rack 6 inches from broiler element. Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 14 July 2025
Verb
That said, while the touted efficiency effect might seem minimal in the consumer segment, noticeable improvements are likely to occur in systems that employ many modules, such as servers, and rack systems in data centers. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 27 June 2025 The vast archipelago nations of Indonesia and the Philippines, once racked by internal conflicts, have seen their GDPs grow significantly since 2000. Yuen Foong Khong, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack
Noun
  • The Red Sox made their bed last month when Devers was shipped to the Giants.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • The populations at the different homes vary depending on the season, the report says, with the average occupancy taking up about 70% of the beds in the state.
    Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Extreme heat can also be an obstacle to exercising, spending time in nature, and socializing, all of which can make people feel good and also double as important coping mechanisms for emotional distress.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 26 July 2025
  • The lawsuit alleges both Transdev, which contracts with Boston Public Schools to provide bus transportation, and the driver Jean Charles were negligent and inflicted emotional distress on the family.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Mohammad Omar had been plagued with medical problems since birth.
    Li-Lian Ahlskog Hou, CNN Money, 22 July 2025
  • That’s the kind of problem that leads to the rodent Rose Parade that’s plagued other restaurants on this street.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Brands began to pull together resources to support refugees.
    Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023
  • The 13-minute performance will likely call for a healthy dose of vibrant, colored lighting to pull it all together.
    Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 10 Feb. 2023
Noun
  • Within a week of her return, the 10-year-old Jack Russell and Patterdale mix seemed stiff and didn't even want to jump on the couch.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • But petite shoppers deserve to look put-together and feel comfortable, too—during a long flight, while napping on the couch, running errands, or otherwise.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • At least half of the people with PsA will experience symptoms in their feet, such as swelling, pain, and tenderness.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 19 July 2025
  • Abdominal fat, particularly in midlife and later in life, has been implicated in a number of serious conditions including chronic pain, stroke and cardiovascular disease.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • On the other hand, there’s room in America for Afrikaners from South Africa, the white minority of Dutch origin who claim they are being persecuted and subject to violence inflicted by the majority Black population.
    Howard Simon, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • We have been persecuted, exiled, shunned and murdered, simply for our beliefs.
    Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The names of previous detainees were carved onto the mental bunks.
    Juwayriah Wright, Time, 15 July 2025
  • He was told to sit on his bunk for the count, an interminable process that involved tallying every prisoner on the farm, from the men locked down in solitary cells to those wrangling cattle in far‑flung fields.
    Literary Hub July 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rack. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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