strained

adjective

ˈstrānd 

1

: done or produced with excessive effort

a strained smile

2

: pushed by antagonism near to open conflict

strained relations

Synonyms of strained

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

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

With universities competing to pay athletes millions of dollars, some states now are propping up their strained sports budgets in ways not previously seen. — David A. Lieb, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

Panettiere, a former child star, had been open in recent years about her experience with alcohol and opioids, and had also discussed her strained relationship with Vogel in various interviews. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Aug. 2026

That could present a challenge for Americans, who already report feeling financially strained amid elevated inflation. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

England won the five-match series 4–1, but the win was clouded by injuries to Australian batters, tensions between the teams, rising crowd unrest that almost led to riots, and strained diplomatic relations between Australia and England. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026

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