1
as in lineage
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended
descended from a strain of Irish seafarers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in shred
a very small amount
detected a strain of panic in her voice when she asked if the substance was poisonous
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in type
a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common
writes mystery novels of a more sophisticated strain
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in stress
the burden on one's emotional or mental well-being created by demands on one's time
the family's constant moving is putting a real strain on the children
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
3
as in to struggle
to devote serious and sustained effort
the whole department is straining to complete the project before the deadline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to drip
to flow forth slowly through small openings
put the cooked fruit in a cheesecloth bag and let the juice strain into a pan
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to stretch
to subject (a personal quality or faculty) to often excessive stress
strained her memory but the name just wouldn't come to her
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
7
as in to hug
to put one's arms around and press tightly
the woman tenderly strained to her breast the child that she had long ago given up for dead
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of strain
Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Those could potentially include changes to Newsom’s unpopular telework policy going into effect in July or pausing the amount state workers pay into retirement benefits, which California has paused during past periods of financial strain.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025
Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 19 May 2025
With a red face and his muscles straining, American Trey Mitchell was the only person who managed to lift all five rocks onto the structure.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for strain
Noun
Mize’s splitter whiff rate Casey Mize had a 2.53 ERA before going on the injured list with a hamstring strain.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Those could potentially include changes to Newsom’s unpopular telework policy going into effect in July or pausing the amount state workers pay into retirement benefits, which California has paused during past periods of financial strain.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
He was called up three weeks later in their first roster move of the year when Schmitt strained his left oblique in the batting cage, forcing him to miss 28 games before he was reinserted into the starting lineup Monday with left-hander Kris Bubic on the mound for the Royals.
—Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 19 May 2025
With a red face and his muscles straining, American Trey Mitchell was the only person who managed to lift all five rocks onto the structure.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for strain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strain
Verb
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Brands began to pull together resources to support refugees.—
Stephan Rabimov,
Forbes,
13 Feb. 2023
-
The 13-minute performance will likely call for a healthy dose of vibrant, colored lighting to pull it all together.—
Kelly Allen,
House Beautiful,
10 Feb. 2023
Verb
-
There is no sunscreen that filters 100% of the sun's rays, so SPF 30 is sufficient.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
30 May 2025
-
The number of No. 1 albums that Hybe’s record-shattering boy band BTS has landed on the U.S. Billboard 200 STRATEGY + SUCCESS Nearly all hiring managers now use AI, resulting in many applicants getting filtered out before a human even looks at their résumé.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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Rob Crossan January 17, 2025 Marketed as a luxury tourist destination, the Maldives struggles with the legacy of an authoritarian government and the existential threat of climate change.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
23 May 2025
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While many companies have struggled to define their policies, bouncing between strict return-to-office mandates and hybrid compromises, Logitech has taken a different path.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
Slowly drip mixture into cold oil to form the ‘caviar’.—
Claudia Alarcón,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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Rafael Nadal was a tennis warrior, to be sure: a competitive beast dripping with sweat and relentless in-the-moment ambition who could give the opposition a faraway gaze in a hurry.—
Christopher Clarey,
Air Mail,
24 May 2025
Verb
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He is scheduled to pitch again the next time through the rotation, but will likely be limited to 75-80 pitches, Francona said Sunday, instead of stretching to 90.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
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What Happens Next Severe weather is forecast to stretch from southeastern Iowa and central Illinois down to northeastern Texas on Tuesday, according to AccuWeather.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
Verb
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This ‘Stanley’ of Electric Toothbrushes As the name suggests, the Brightening Eye Stick is a compact, easy-to-use balm formulated with caffeine, niacinamide, and peptides, all of which help combat fine lines and tighten the appearance of the skin.—
Robyn Merrett,
StyleCaster,
23 May 2025
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In response, China might tighten its export controls on rare earths to the U.S., Nomura said.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
23 May 2025
Verb
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After the Mass, while meeting with dignitaries and world faith leaders, the pope broke protocol to hug his brother.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
21 May 2025
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The extra weight is believed to help calm the nervous system, mimicking the feeling of being hugged and promoting a sense of security and relaxation.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
21 May 2025
Verb
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In addition to direct contact, Toxoplasma may also damage sperm because the infection promotes chronic inflammation.—
Bill Sullivan,
The Conversation,
28 May 2025
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No one was hurt but the Toyota 4Runner the men were inside and another vehicle were damaged.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strain. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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