The phrase "was racked" can be replaced with various synonyms to convey different shades of meanings. "Was tormented" suggests a prolonged and severe agony, while "was wracked" highlights the physical aspect of the pain. "Was distressed" implies a mental and emotional upset, while "was shaken" indicates a sudden and intense disturbance. "Was afflicted" emphasizes the suffering as a result of an external force, while "was beset" implies a persistent and overwhelming struggle. Overall, the choice of synonym depends on the context and tone of the sentence, and the desired effect on the reader.