1
as in lineages
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
as in melodies
a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect
the strain of an old Irish ballad rose up from the revelers downstairs
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in splashes
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 types
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 stresses
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
as in pulls
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 filters
to pass through a filter
better strain that coffee thoroughly to get all the grounds out
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in struggles
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 drips
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 stretches
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 hugs
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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of strains
Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
The highest-risk strains were most often found in chicken and turkey.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Chicken and turkey carried the highest-risk strains of bacteria, but pork and beef also carried the illness-causing germs.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
But the strains responsible for the majority of UTIs are not the ones typically associated with foodborne illnesses, which cause diarrhea and vomiting.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
But the real kicker is that understanding how CRPV worked in rabbits helped scientists figure out how certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) cause cervical cancer.
—Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2025
This Prometheus project is more than civically minded businessmen proposing public art, but rather deeply tied to some of the ugliest strains of alt-right thinking.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
However, the dietary potential of these two key serotonin-producing strains is not well known.
—New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2025
There are vaccines available for various strains of pneumonia called pneumococcal vaccines.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 20 Oct. 2025
Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025
Taiwan's challenge is particularly acute as its fast-aging population strains social safety nets while its fertility rate—already one of the world’s lowest—continues to slide.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Uncontrolled obesity not only affects individual health but also raises healthcare costs, reduces workforce participation, and strains public budgets.
—Mario H. Lopez, Boston Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Once that threshold is reached, the planet will see more frequent and intense extreme weather and strains on food production and water access—impacts many nations vulnerable to climate change are already seeing.
—Simmone Shah, Time, 12 Oct. 2025
Excess sodium raises blood pressure, strains the kidneys, and increases the risk of heart failure.
—Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
What are the symptoms of current COVID-19 strains?
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
The crowding of emergency rooms on hot days strains the state's economy and medical system while endangering residents who may need the attention of limited providers for other hospital care.
—Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
The researchers noted that Branyas Morera routinely ate yogurt, which can nurture these beneficial bacteria strains.
—New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
Throughout the 90-minute, private tea party, guests can learn about and sample various strains of cannabis.
—Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
The highest-risk strains were most often found in chicken and turkey.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Chicken and turkey carried the highest-risk strains of bacteria, but pork and beef also carried the illness-causing germs.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
But the strains responsible for the majority of UTIs are not the ones typically associated with foodborne illnesses, which cause diarrhea and vomiting.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
But the real kicker is that understanding how CRPV worked in rabbits helped scientists figure out how certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) cause cervical cancer.
—Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2025
This Prometheus project is more than civically minded businessmen proposing public art, but rather deeply tied to some of the ugliest strains of alt-right thinking.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
However, the dietary potential of these two key serotonin-producing strains is not well known.
—New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2025
There are vaccines available for various strains of pneumonia called pneumococcal vaccines.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
Growth without planning leads to more traffic and strains our services.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025
Taiwan's challenge is particularly acute as its fast-aging population strains social safety nets while its fertility rate—already one of the world’s lowest—continues to slide.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Uncontrolled obesity not only affects individual health but also raises healthcare costs, reduces workforce participation, and strains public budgets.
—Mario H. Lopez, Boston Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Once that threshold is reached, the planet will see more frequent and intense extreme weather and strains on food production and water access—impacts many nations vulnerable to climate change are already seeing.
—Simmone Shah, Time, 12 Oct. 2025
Excess sodium raises blood pressure, strains the kidneys, and increases the risk of heart failure.
—Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
What are the symptoms of current COVID-19 strains?
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
The crowding of emergency rooms on hot days strains the state's economy and medical system while endangering residents who may need the attention of limited providers for other hospital care.
—Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
The researchers noted that Branyas Morera routinely ate yogurt, which can nurture these beneficial bacteria strains.
—New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strains
Verb
-
This sleek propane fire pit pulls double duty as a stylish table for evening chats, s’mores nights, or crisp morning coffees.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Once the pup is close enough, the officer reaches out and pulls him from underneath the train.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
This stricter mode removes comments entirely, filters more mature material, and limits what teens can see or post.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 Oct. 2025
-
The mic also filters out background noise to make your voice clear for any phone calls.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The show follows Snow's Sophie, who struggles to adjust to a new life in Texas but forms a close and complicated bond with Akerman's Margo.—
Brenton Blanchet,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Many believe if Gabriel struggles again Sunday against the Patriots that the Browns could use the following week’s bye to prepare Sanders for his first career start against the Jets the following week.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Speaking of dressing up, the bag drips with style and will elevate any outfit in your wardrobe.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Models hit the runway showcasing the luxury brand’s signature sinuous designs, including the Chandelier style which drips with crystals.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Texas Tech recently banned the throwing of tortillas onto the field during kickoffs, a practice that stretches back decades.—
Jordy Fee-Platt,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The full line now stretches nearly six miles.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
This is an adjustable graphics-card brace, and its screw tightens the part that clamps it to the slide.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The bill tightens those requirements, requiring proof of work or education in most instances, tightens eligibility requirements and reduces federal spending.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The slip-on hybrid heel features a wider elastic strap that hugs the foot, with a heel also measuring 78mm.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The fit-and-flare style hugs your chest and waist for a flattering fit, and the wide skirt can flow in the breeze for breathable comfort.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The loss significantly damages Memphis’ American Conference and College Football Playoff hopes.—
Chris Vannini,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
-
An autoimmune condition that damages the stomach lining, like thyroid disease, can also cause atrophic gastritis.—
Carrie Madormo,
Health,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strains. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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