strained

adjective

ˈstrānd 

1

: done or produced with excessive effort

a strained smile

2

: pushed by antagonism near to open conflict

strained relations

Synonyms of strained

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

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

That strained relationship was spotlighted this week when Ionescu said she was never officially invited to participate in the WNBA’s 3-point contest. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026

The week before, according to Yahoo Sports, the two men had met at a Texas steakhouse as part of an effort to mend strained relations between Texas Tech and its Big 12 rivals. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026

The administration has quietly deepened engagement with Mali’s military government despite years of strained relations following the country’s coups and growing partnership with Russia. — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 23 July 2026

Pitcher Stephen Kolek will seek a second opinion on his strained right flexor, and outfielder Kyle Isbel is on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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