1
as in pulling
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
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2
as in filtering
to pass through a filter
better strain that coffee thoroughly to get all the grounds out
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3
as in struggling
to devote serious and sustained effort
the whole department is straining to complete the project before the deadline
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4
as in dripping
to flow forth slowly through small openings
put the cooked fruit in a cheesecloth bag and let the juice strain into a pan
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5
as in stretching
to subject (a personal quality or faculty) to often excessive stress
strained her memory but the name just wouldn't come to her
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6
as in tightening
to draw tight
the dog strained its leash trying to get to the cat
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7
as in hugging
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
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Cite this Entry
“Straining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straining. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.
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