1
as in lineage
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended
descended from a strain of Irish seafarers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in shred
a very small amount
detected a strain of panic in her voice when she asked if the substance was poisonous
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in type
a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common
writes mystery novels of a more sophisticated strain
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in stress
the burden on one's emotional or mental well-being created by demands on one's time
the family's constant moving is putting a real strain on the children
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
3
as in to struggle
to devote serious and sustained effort
the whole department is straining to complete the project before the deadline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to drip
to flow forth slowly through small openings
put the cooked fruit in a cheesecloth bag and let the juice strain into a pan
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to stretch
to subject (a personal quality or faculty) to often excessive stress
strained her memory but the name just wouldn't come to her
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
7
as in to hug
to put one's arms around and press tightly
the woman tenderly strained to her breast the child that she had long ago given up for dead
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of strain
Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026
The strain is considered minor.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026
Susan Ellenberg, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026
In the meantime, strains on domestic supply are mounting.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for strain
Noun
That’s partly because Medicaid costs are expected to continue increasing and place a growing strain on the state’s budget.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026
The strain is considered minor.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
Homelessness is another of California’s most urgent crises, touching every community and straining every county’s capacity.
—Susan Ellenberg, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026
In the meantime, strains on domestic supply are mounting.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for strain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strain
Verb
-
But the next morning, the equipment had to be pulled.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Many Democrats are pulling endorsements and demanding Swalwell exit the race.—
Diana Paulsen,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For much of the week, our wind direction remains generally southerly which will continue to filter in warmer air.—
Rachael Jay,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The war felt far away then—an abstraction to analyze—its consequences filtered through spreadsheets and financial models.—
Pandu Sjahrir,
Fortune,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Despite plenty of sunshine on Monday, high temperatures may struggle to reach 60° with a blustery and cool wind much of the day.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
School board candidates endorsed by the group struggled in elections, and rival liberal groups rose up to compete for power in America’s suburbs.—
Collin Binkley,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In line for the merch booth, sweat drips down our backs.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Remove the chicken from the bag, allowing the excess marinade to drip back into the bag.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The truth of those words is manifest in the myriad structures from the Mughal era (1526–1857) that have survived for centuries after the fall of the empire, which at its height stretched across nearly the entire Indian subcontinent.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Schools in the network will also have a longer school year that stretches further into the summer, student-teachers training to become full-time educators, support staff for teachers during lessons and group instruction and higher compensation.—
Samuel O’Neal
Updated April 14,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment dramatically lifts, firms, and tightens sagging, crepey skin and smooths the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
While perennially popular countries such as Italy and Portugal are tightening immigration regulations, many other places still offer enticing options for relocation.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The crowd of 19,698 and all his teammates wanted to hug him.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Penton walked out herself and hugged two women who’d attended the proceedings.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As the plane ascended, someone threw a grenade at it, damaging a wing.—
Louis Menand,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
One of the vehicles apparently also slammed into the rear of a parked silver BMW, damaging it, as well.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Strain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strain. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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