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.

He said the city has been strained by highway maintenance responsibilities it took over from the state of Maryland following the 2008 financial crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Chaves has had strained ties with local media, whom he accuses of defaming him.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

In a world where public trust in science already hangs in the balance, a system that is visibly strained and occasionally embarrassed gives bad-faith actors fresh ammunition.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

She says her husband is back to his normal "kind" self, but their relationship has been strained.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

He strained with all his might, but there was nothing he could do to loosen the bindings.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti