1
: done or produced with excessive effort
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
The reasons for the meeting are unclear, though British media outlets have speculated whether Harry and Charles are working on mending their strained relationship.
—
Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Though the former couple remained close in the years after their separation, their relationship allegedly became strained when Simon stopped paying for their children’s school and medical fees following a change on his tax return.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
In contrast to Bella’s strained relationship with Coverley, her bond with her father was effortless.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Morticia and Wednesday are dealing with a strained relationship this season.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strained
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Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Though the former couple remained close in the years after their separation, their relationship allegedly became strained when Simon stopped paying for their children’s school and medical fees following a change on his tax return.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
In contrast to Bella’s strained relationship with Coverley, her bond with her father was effortless.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Morticia and Wednesday are dealing with a strained relationship this season.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 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 Sep. 2025.
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