strained

[streynd] / streɪnd /

ADJECTIVE

forced, pretended

Synonyms

STRONGEST

constrained labored stiff tense tight uneasy

STRONG

choked embarrassed put wired wreck

WEAK

artificial at end of rope awkward difficult false farfetched hard put in a state nervous wreck self-conscious strung-out taut uncomfortable unglued unnatural unrelaxed uptight

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm comfortable easy easygoing laid-back loose relaxed slack

WEAK

genuine unforced

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Part of the problem was the sheer enormity of the initial outbreak, which quickly strained available stocks of tests, medications, and PPE, not to mention hospital beds and healthcare workers’ time.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

The row is the just the latest example of the strained relations between European regulators and US big tech firms.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

A devastating fly is the latest problem for America’s already strained beef market.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

They have been lower than that in multiple instances recently, however — including in 2022, when inventories were strained after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

Wind foamed the sea, rocked the boat, and whipped at their clothes as they strained to get ashore.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

strained

Example Sentences

Related Words