as in mock
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
I took the complaint manager's strained smile to mean I wasn't a welcome sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in pulled
to injure by overuse, misuse, or pressure
in order to lift something heavy, squat down and lift with your legs, or you'll strain your back
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in filtered
to pass through a filter
better strain that coffee thoroughly to get all the grounds out
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in labored
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 dripped
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 stretched
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 hugged
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
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 strained
Jay Weissberg, Variety, 17 May 2026
Friends and family members also told investigators that Shirilla and Russo’s relationship had become strained in the months before the crash, marked by arguments and breakups, with some describing Shirilla as possessive in the relationship.
—Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Progressive alliances are weakening, political identities are shifting, and emotional ties to Israel are being strained.
—Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for strained
Adjective
Yet the ease of the dialogue, the sense of spontaneity and warmth, equally natural in the most strained moments, never falters.
—Jay Weissberg, Variety, 17 May 2026
Friends and family members also told investigators that Shirilla and Russo’s relationship had become strained in the months before the crash, marked by arguments and breakups, with some describing Shirilla as possessive in the relationship.
—Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Verb
Their long-distance relationship was strained by his work schedule and her issues with drinking.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Progressive alliances are weakening, political identities are shifting, and emotional ties to Israel are being strained.
—Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for strained
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strained
Adjective
-
The Merlin Pilot system handles much more than a traditional autopilot, using a natural language processing model to listen to instructions from a mock air traffic controller and responding over the radio using a computerized female voice.—
Pete Muntean,
CNN Money,
24 May 2026
-
According to those reports, Pakistan Air Force J-10CE fighter jets faced Qatar’s Eurofighter Typhoons in a series of mock aerial engagements and emerged undefeated.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ starting pitcher Wednesday, was also pulled from the Dodgers’ blowout win Tuesday after he was hit on the right hand by a changeup.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2026
-
In his first at-bat after the meeting, Ruiz pulled a double into right field.—
Spencer Nusbaum,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
The light, filtered through stained glass, shifts the mood from one side of the basilica to the other.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
But the results are filtered through the White House and must be approved by the president, raising questions about what the public does and doesn't get to see.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Even the involuntary action of breathing was labored, and constantly faltering.—
Casey Ross,
STAT,
19 May 2026
-
The Knicks should be heavily favored this series as the Cavs have labored through the playoffs, needing seven games to win in each round.—
Greg Rosenstein,
NBC news,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Sections lower in the nozzle that were not cooled began to overheat and sag while molten plastic dripped from the engine outlet.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
25 May 2026
-
The halter-neck number also featured strips of sparkling crystals, which dripped off of the bodice and skirt.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
The dispute has stretched on for roughly 18 months, with neighbors repeatedly appearing at Wheat Ridge City Council meetings asking for changes.—
Jamie Leary,
CBS News,
23 May 2026
-
Evans went on to become a beloved figure in daytime television, building a career that has stretched across generations of viewers.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
Several airlines have tightened rules around portable power packs, which can pose a fire risk.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
25 May 2026
-
Unlike traditional denim that fits one minute and not the next, these jeans have a stretchy elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring that can easily be loosened after a big meal or tightened to ensure a secure fit.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
Echeverria did and hugged him back.—
William J. Ford,
Baltimore Sun,
25 May 2026
-
Richard Childress as well as dozens of other people in the NASCAR community stood behind the family in a moment of remarkable power, as Samantha hugged Brexton and grew tearful.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Strained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strained. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
