RACK Synonyms: 178 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

rack 1 of 2

noun

Definition of rack

as in bed

a place set aside for sleeping the clock struck midnight, signaling that it was time to hit the rack

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as in distress

a state of great suffering of body or mind suffering the rack of a sprained ankle, the climber had to make his way back down the mountain to camp felt the rack of regret after losing her temper with her teenagers

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rack

2 of 2

verb

as in to plague

to cause persistent suffering to the young man was racked with guilt over the lie he had told to his parents the country has been racked by years of civil war

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to pull

to injure by overuse, misuse, or pressure she racked her brain trying to remember where she'd put the money the sails of the boat were racked by the storm's winds

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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

Carefully transfer the fish to a wire rack to drain, then transfer to a large platter. — Emma Specter, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026 The trains will also have bike racks, luggage racks, USB outlets and two ADA-accessible bathrooms. — Cbs Chicago Team, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Verb

The spectacular rack-o-rib volcano is available to all fans at the Molly B’s concession stand just inside Gate 2 of the stadium. — Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026 The immature boy-king Richard II (Woody Norman) is racked with nightmares and unable to govern. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rack

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack

Noun

In September, every ward in Sylhet's 100-bed Shahid Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital, which is treating measles, appeared overwhelmed.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Because whenever the topic of Orange County’s ever-filling green spring of bed-tax money is discussed, shenanigans seem to proliferate.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of bed

Verb

Speculation and conspiracy theories have plagued Kirk’s death, fueled even by public figures such as Candace Owens, a longtime friend of Kirk, who has been outspoken about her belief that his death was orchestrated in an elaborate plot.

— Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
Hoover’s replacement has thus far been a miss, and the problem that plagued this program in losses in each of the last two years has not changed.

— Mac Engel October 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of plague

Noun

The woman had fallen into a pool and was passed out on a couch covering herself with a pillow, agents said.

— MEG KINNARD, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
In an ornate Italian Renaissance-style room, participants sit scattered across couches and cushions, cross-legged with their eyes closed.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of couch

Noun

Those include genital itching, abnormal discharge, pelvic pain and burning during urination.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
The battle for political advantage ahead of elections should not obscure a reasonable expectation that governments can intervene to soften the pain of citizens, said Vahyala Kwaga, country head for Nigeria at policy research group BudgIT.

— Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of pain

Verb

Those governments provide assurances that people won’t be persecuted or tortured, federal attorneys said.

— Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Also, some immigration cases involve people seeking asylum because they are being persecuted by a foreign government and releasing a person’s full name could be considered sensitive or even dangerous.

— Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of persecute

Noun

Kramnic was unable to climb on to the top bunk without injuring his knees and back.

— Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Although my room had six bunks, my only roommate was a quiet man from Switzerland who was also traveling from LA to San Francisco, but by bike.

— David G. Allan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of bunk

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“Rack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rack. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rack

noun

verb

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