strained

adjective

ˈstrānd 

1

: done or produced with excessive effort

2

: pushed by antagonism near to open conflict

strained relations

Synonyms

• unnatural
• mock
• affected
• forced
• exaggerated
• false
• artificial
• fake
• simulated
• mechanical
• contrived
• pseudo
• assumed

Examples of strained in a Sentence

He made a strained attempt at being polite.

I took the complaint manager's strained smile to mean I wasn't a welcome sight.

Recent Examples on the Web

The couple separated soon after but their relationship grew even more strained amid divorce proceedings and arguments over child custody. —Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025

Domantas Sabonis is back after missing the season opener against the Phoenix Suns with a strained hamstring, but Murray (thumb) and rookie first-round draft pick Nique Clifford are still out due to injuries. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2025

The Timberwolves will be without All-Star guard Anthony Edwards, who is sidelined because of a strained right hamstring. —Khobi Price, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025

The relationship between the longtime allies remains strained. —Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for strained

• abstained
• arraigned
• attained
• bloodstained
• campaigned
• complained
• constrained
• contained
• curtained
• detained
• disdained
• distrained

Kids Definition

strained

adjective

ˈstrānd 

1

: not easy or natural : forced

a strained smile

2

: brought close to war

strained relations between countries