1
: done or produced with excessive effort
2
: pushed by antagonism near to open conflict
strained relations
Synonyms
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 comments mark an about-face from the former president, who has had a strained relationship with the central bank leader.
—
Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 16 July 2024
In the years leading up to Mickey's death, Mickey and Goodwin had a strained relationship that turned deadly.
—Makena Gera, Peoplemag, 16 July 2024
Given how poorly the bottom half of the Dodgers’ lineup has performed and how long Max Muncy has been sidelined with a strained oblique muscle, however, Hernandez’s level of competence has been essential to the Dodgers’ offense.
—Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register, 15 July 2024
More than 18 years passed before Mobley's biological mother saw her again, but the reunion came with confusing emotions and strained relationships.
—Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 10 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for strained 
Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 16 July 2024
In the years leading up to Mickey's death, Mickey and Goodwin had a strained relationship that turned deadly.
—Makena Gera, Peoplemag, 16 July 2024
Given how poorly the bottom half of the Dodgers’ lineup has performed and how long Max Muncy has been sidelined with a strained oblique muscle, however, Hernandez’s level of competence has been essential to the Dodgers’ offense.
—Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register, 15 July 2024
More than 18 years passed before Mobley's biological mother saw her again, but the reunion came with confusing emotions and strained relationships.
—Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 10 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for strained
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'strained.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Strained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strained. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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