Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for strained.
Definitions

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.

Tell Doncic to stay in Spain for as long as it takes for that magic medicine to cure his strained hamstring.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

The disruption to global shipments caused by the war in the Middle East has strained cooking gas supplies in India.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

The Dodgers placed Mookie Betts on the injured list after learning he suffered a strained right oblique and called up Hyeseong Kim from Oklahoma City.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

These are also people who fret about the high cost of top colleges, and might still feel strained by rising expenses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

As I plowed through the second trunk, I strained to hear the sound of approaching footsteps.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros