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.

Today, the company is attempting to rebuild as an artificial-intelligence-driven infrastructure platform, though it remains strained by the loss of Webull, a client that accounted for 74% of the company’s crypto revenue in 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

South Hadley is a warning sign for financially strained municipalities across the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 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

I strained my ears to catch any good gossip she might have, but I couldn’t hear well enough to make sense of it.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff