1
: done or produced with excessive effort
2
: pushed by antagonism near to open conflict
strained relations
Synonyms
Examples of strained in a Sentence
He made a strained attempt at being polite.
I took the complaint manager's strained smile to mean I wasn't a welcome sight.
Recent Examples on the Web
On Xi Jinping’s first visit to Europe in five years, the red carpet receptions China’s leader received in France, Serbia and Hungary helped recast a strained relationship with the continent.
—
Siyi Zhao, New York Times, 17 May 2024
But Penelope's platonic friendship with Colin becomes strained.
—Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 16 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for strained 
Siyi Zhao, New York Times, 17 May 2024
But Penelope's platonic friendship with Colin becomes strained.
—Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 16 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for strained
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'strained.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near strained
Cite this Entry
“Strained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strained. Accessed 23 May. 2024.
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