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 next

as in bed

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples 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 old park was destroyed by the fire, and the new one has a dog park, a modern playground and bike racks in the shape of hearts and coffee cups. —

Heather Knight, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025 Instructions Step 1 Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F. —

Ryan McCarthy, Saveur, 16 Jan. 2025

Verb

Wine glasses should not be touching anything other than the dishwasher rack to avoid breakage. —

Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Dec. 2024 Adjust oven rack to the middle position and heat oven to 250 degrees. —

Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rack

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rack

Noun

Since the train doesn’t have a second floor, the upper bed has more space and the person sleeping there can sit without hitting their head — something my husband appreciated greatly.

— Christin Parcerisa Vigueras, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2025
Just keep in mind that the bed is only available in a full-size.

— Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Jan. 2025