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.

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

From BBC • Jun. 2, 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

She also had strained relations with Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who also represents the Palisades.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 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

Yet, if she strained her ears, she could almost hear it: Nhamo....

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer

strained

Example Sentences

Related Words