rack 1 of 2

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
On the other end of the spectrum, Tern’s GSD and HSD are significantly shorter and can be stored vertically with their rear rack used as a stand, allowing them to be brought into tighter spaces (though your mileage may vary on apartment living). Chris Cona, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025 Remove focaccia from pan; cool completely on wire rack. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
Meta had to rebuild their data centers by racking billions of dollars worth of GPUs, years before the current Gen AI mania. Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2025 The party is racked by discord over its position on social issues – especially trans rights and, to an only slightly lesser degree, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack
Noun
  • If that wing was being used, there would be more beds upstairs.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The team’s biggest concerns for 390’s recovery since July has been that the growth bed would be too damaged for the keratin to regrow and that the bone that supports the entire structure of the upper beak may have too much missing and grow back together.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At the Santa Monica test location after the rains, the level of beryllium — a metal that is toxic to fish and corals and causes respiratory distress in humans — was more than 10 times the maximum limit allowed.
    Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The result: Some doctors and hospitals have held back on treatments, waiting for the fetal heartbeat to stop or for patients to wind up in undeniable distress.
    Kavitha Surana, ProPublica, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Puerto Rico is frequently plagued by power outages, with the most recent island-wide event on New Year's Eve taking days to resolve.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Now a depth arm in the organization who was called up from triple-A Oklahoma City for a spot start Wednesday, Miller’s first MLB outing of 2025 mirrored the struggles that plagued him over the rest of 2024.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 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
  • Scheffler remembers watching the tournament on TV as a boy, sitting on the couch next to his father.
    Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Suleman posted pictures of her son as a baby, smiling in the bathtub with a few of his siblings, spending time outdoors and enjoying time on the couch.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In a lengthy interview with The Daily Mail, Moran's friend, Terry Stone, told the outlet that Moran's girlfriend was the one to encourage him to seek medical help after the actor was experiencing neck pain.
    Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The aftermath of Dale’s death The race at Rockingham’s track might have been a bandage that temporarily eased people’s pain.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sold to the public as increasing transparency, the legislation has been utilized to persecute Georgia’s opposition and arrest dissidents with impunity.
    Anastasiya Zavyalova, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Again, none of these Beautiful People ever thought of assisting Americans who were being persecuted by the Deep State these last few years before Jan. 20.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The upper level holds the bar and lounge, four guest rooms (including a six-bed bunk room, earmarked for the client’s grandchildren), and a large outdoor entertaining space.
    Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2025
  • My favorite hut is Zealand, because the wood-burning stove keeps the bunks toasty on chilly nights.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 12 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rack. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rack

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!