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
At the same time, reductions in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are expected to increase food insecurity among older adults, placing even more pressure on already strained systems.
—
Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
The Thunder are 8-0 in the postseason despite their second-best player Jalen Williams missing the entirety of the playoffs with a strained hamstring.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
The sudden spike in oil prices and products refined from oil, such as gasoline, have rippled through the economy and strained household budgets, hitting low-income families especially hard, other data shows.
—Jessica Dickler,kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 12 May 2026
Shortstop Mookie Betts played in his first game since sustaining a strained right oblique last month, finishing with a single and throwing out a runner at home.
—Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for strained
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Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
The Thunder are 8-0 in the postseason despite their second-best player Jalen Williams missing the entirety of the playoffs with a strained hamstring.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
The sudden spike in oil prices and products refined from oil, such as gasoline, have rippled through the economy and strained household budgets, hitting low-income families especially hard, other data shows.
—Jessica Dickler,kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 12 May 2026
Shortstop Mookie Betts played in his first game since sustaining a strained right oblique last month, finishing with a single and throwing out a runner at home.
—Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for strained
Cite this Entry
“Strained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strained. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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