1
: done or produced with excessive effort
a strained smile
2
: pushed by antagonism near to open conflict
strained relations
Examples of strained in a Sentence
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
These strained relations, and Nepal’s domestic instability, opened the door for China to expand its influence in the country.
—
Muhib Rahman, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
But the effects of the shutdown could linger another week or two, especially in the nation’s strained aviation system as some air traffic controllers who worked without pay are considering leaving the profession altogether.
—Nik Popli, Time, 12 Nov. 2025
The data center explosion has created boom towns across the US, but strained grids and increased housing prices and energy costs.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Judge has been working to rebuild her strained relationship with Sidney for years.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strained
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.
Muhib Rahman, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
But the effects of the shutdown could linger another week or two, especially in the nation’s strained aviation system as some air traffic controllers who worked without pay are considering leaving the profession altogether.
—Nik Popli, Time, 12 Nov. 2025
The data center explosion has created boom towns across the US, but strained grids and increased housing prices and energy costs.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Judge has been working to rebuild her strained relationship with Sidney for years.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strained
Cite this Entry
“Strained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strained. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share