strained

1 of 2

adjective

ˈstrānd 

1

: done or produced with excessive effort

a strained smile

2

: pushed by antagonism near to open conflict

strained relations

strained

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of strain entry 2

Synonyms of strained

Adjective

• mock
• unnatural
• exaggerated
• affected
• false
• forced
• artificial
• contrived
• simulated
• fake
• mechanical
• assumed
• pseudo

Examples of strained in a Sentence

Adjective

He made a strained attempt at being polite.

I took the complaint manager's strained smile to mean I wasn't a welcome sight.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For too long, Washington failed to enforce our immigration laws, and the resulting chaos overwhelmed communities and strained resources nationwide. — Don Bacon, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026

Even the film’s potentially provocative examination of open marriages falls by the wayside, replaced by an increasingly strained subplot involving Haru contending with Mila’s unexpected arrival. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Some of my professional relationships are starting to feel strained, and work has begun to pile up. — Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026

In the years 2021-2025, 79 people were responsible for 5,191 responses from emergency medical services, costing the already financially strained department significant time and money. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for strained

• abstained
• arraigned
• attained
• bloodstained
• campaigned
• complained
• constrained
• contained
• curtained
• detained
• disdained
• distrained

Kids Definition

strained

adjective

ˈstrānd 

1

: not easy or natural : forced

a strained smile

2

: brought close to war

strained relations between countries