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.

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

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

At this thickness, the metal undergoes a transition from a strained state caused by the underlying material to a more relaxed atomic arrangement.

From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 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

The India visit also comes against the backdrop of Myanmar's strained - but changing - relations with many Western countries.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

I strained to make her less beautiful in my eyes but ended up scowling for a short time instead.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

strained

Example Sentences

Related Words