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.

Luka Doncic is receiving medical treatment in Europe to repair a strained hamstring with the hope of returning to the Lakers before the playoffs start.

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

“As a business, we’ve got to put options on the table and say, ‘OK, the unit economics are now strained.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Agriculture sector representatives are due in Brussels for talks with the European Commission on April 13, as many complain the conflict risks plunging an already strained industry into a deeper crisis.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Mrs. Tracy laughed and said that Kayla’s skill in math would probably not be strained by counting only twenty-one slips of paper.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott