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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of strain
Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 4 Apr. 2025
Ertz suffered a quad strain in Week 7, and McBride took over the starting role and never looked back.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
While the White House says these tariffs will foster domestic manufacturing and raise $100 billion in revenue annually, economists stress that straining the auto industry’s global supply chain brings significant disruptions.
—Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strain
Noun
Running, walking, or hiking on an incline can also add extra strain, as can beach volleyball or other activities performed on sinking or uneven surfaces.
—Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 4 Apr. 2025
Ertz suffered a quad strain in Week 7, and McBride took over the starting role and never looked back.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
The back-and-forth trade restrictions could lead to higher prices for consumers and businesses, further straining global economic relations.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
While the White House says these tariffs will foster domestic manufacturing and raise $100 billion in revenue annually, economists stress that straining the auto industry’s global supply chain brings significant disruptions.
—Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 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
-
By introducing healthy snack options, filtered water and meal plans at work, many employees can eat healthier, getting more nutrients and enjoying better physical and mental health in the process.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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Instead, your resume passes through an algorithmic screening that filters candidates based on specific criteria.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Atlanta's lineup has struggled tremendously this season, and using Elder as a trade piece to bring in a big-time hitter would be pretty smart.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Apr. 2025
-
The Royals struggled to pick up his sweeper and slider combination.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Othello review: Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal shine in an otherwise shaky production Before long, Henry has dripped poison in Dorian's ear — warning him of his beauty's impermanence — while Basil's unchanging snapshot of his youth has evoked a bitter envy in the impressionable young man.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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Sap dripped from the gash into a vessel near the base of the trunk, and in the morning, Woksis’s wife used the liquid to boil meat for dinner.—
Nina Foster,
JSTOR Daily,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Tree, grass and weed pollen each have different seasons, with peaks stretching from the spring all the way into the fall.—
Mark Gongloff,
Mercury News,
1 Apr. 2025
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Despite the narrow window the ice-diving season in Canada lasts, stretching from January to mid-March, Ryzebol makes the most of it — and pushes his limits each time, from eight-plus minute breath holds to over 200-foot dives down.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Export controls may also tighten further on strategic minerals.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Plus, the straps can be tightened or loosened to your liking.—
Emily Weaver,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
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My friend hugged me quickly and ran off consumed with hosting duties.—
Time,
Time,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Ovechkin then hugged team equipment and training staff on the bench and went through a handshake line with the Islanders as crew members set up for the 895 ceremony.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Their son and daughter-in-law, Cameron Bott, 35, and his wife, Diana, 36, whose nearby home was damaged in the tornado, initiated a discussion about starting a GoFundMe to offset potential insurance shortfalls in rebuilding the gas station.—
Tammy Ljungblad,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2025
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In addition, these same poisons can damage a cell’s DNA which can allow that cell to grow out of control and cause cancer.—
Omer Awan,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Strain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strain. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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