strained

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.

The militia attacks have strained ties between Iraq’s government and its Gulf neighbors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

The foreclosure ruined her retirement plans, Acevedo said, adding that the challenges strained her marriage and eventually led to divorce.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

The visit will have been a welcome respite for the prime minister, who has faced increasingly strained diplomatic ties with China, rising prices and a sluggish economy since coming to office in October.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

But the movie itself isn’t exactly exploring new frontiers of fear, devolving instead into a familiar slasher-thriller with a climax of strained characterization and confusing spatial logic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

The water had to be strained through gauze to remove the reindeer hair that had gotten into it—the hair had gotten into everything.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong