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.

Kiké Hernández was lifted from the Dodgers’ 15-6 victory over the Rockies with a strained left oblique.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, a former human-rights lawyer, has made it a priority to stabilize Seoul’s strained relations with Beijing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Guardiola wiped his face dry with his white t-shirt and tried to regain his composure as his side strained for one final victory under his management.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

While Wünsch is optimistic about AI’s potential to drive scientific breakthroughs, he acknowledged that the AI boom has strained the gaming industry.

From MarketWatch • May 23, 2026

Klava Fomicheva’s navigator, Galina “Galya” Turabelidze, strained to keep her eyes on Masha’s blazing plane so she would know where it went down.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

strained

Example Sentences

Related Words