strains 1 of 3

plural of strain
1
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
4

strains

2 of 3

noun (2)

plural of strain
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

strains

3 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of strain
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
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
6
as in tightens
to draw tight the dog strained its leash trying to get to the cat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

7

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 strains
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

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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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