1
as in pulling
to injure by overuse, misuse, or pressure
in order to lift something heavy, squat down and lift with your legs, or you'll strain your back
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2
as in filtering
to pass through a filter
better strain that coffee thoroughly to get all the grounds out
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in struggling
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 dripping
to flow forth slowly through small openings
put the cooked fruit in a cheesecloth bag and let the juice strain into a pan
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in stretching
to subject (a personal quality or faculty) to often excessive stress
strained her memory but the name just wouldn't come to her
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6
as in tightening
to draw tight
the dog strained its leash trying to get to the cat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in hugging
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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of straining
Humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, have suspended operations due to safety concerns, further straining aid delivery to those in need.
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Shannon McDonagh, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
When curated thoughtfully, a robust toolbox and vendor network can make for stronger workflows and support scalable growth—without straining budgets.
—Annie Phan, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Here, cats exploit fragmented habitats and thriving populations of small mammals and birds, further straining ecosystems already under pressure from human development.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
As its surface continues to shrink, the loss of groundwater exacerbates the region’s water scarcity crisis, straining communities that depend on aquifers.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2024
There is no drug that could equal the intoxicating power in the cling of a white undershirt or the angle of a throat straining for a kiss.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
Adkins, 72, is decked out in a bright orange hunting vest and Sadie, 13, is straining on the leash with excitement, wearing a bright red collar.
—Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 27 Nov. 2024
Additionally, the agency would be forced to implement a hiring freeze, further straining its operational capacity.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024
Passing them can become more difficult, which leads to straining.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 25 Nov. 2024
Shannon McDonagh, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
When curated thoughtfully, a robust toolbox and vendor network can make for stronger workflows and support scalable growth—without straining budgets.
—Annie Phan, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Here, cats exploit fragmented habitats and thriving populations of small mammals and birds, further straining ecosystems already under pressure from human development.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
As its surface continues to shrink, the loss of groundwater exacerbates the region’s water scarcity crisis, straining communities that depend on aquifers.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2024
There is no drug that could equal the intoxicating power in the cling of a white undershirt or the angle of a throat straining for a kiss.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
Adkins, 72, is decked out in a bright orange hunting vest and Sadie, 13, is straining on the leash with excitement, wearing a bright red collar.
—Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 27 Nov. 2024
Additionally, the agency would be forced to implement a hiring freeze, further straining its operational capacity.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024
Passing them can become more difficult, which leads to straining.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 25 Nov. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straining
Verb
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That is, until Dorothy’s dog, Toto, sniffs out the truth behind a green curtain where the less-than-powerful Oz is pulling levers and blowing smoke.Steve Tengler, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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So, pick one or two of these strategies and start pulling that lever.Kevin Kruse, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The police in New York City have been, for the past few years, struggling to address a jump in shoplifting and petty thefts.Shayla Colon, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
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The 49ers had dropped three games in a row before bouncing back Sunday against the struggling Chicago Bears.Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Smith believes that tightening labor markets and hybrid work have further exacerbated this issue.Mark C. Perna, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
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Now, Vietnam depends on manufacturing exports and foreign investment, and its leaders have been tightening the party’s grip on power by clamping down not only on dissent but also on corruption.Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
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That became the recurring theme throughout the drive, especially when challenged by the much higher altitudes—the Kia Carnival effortlessly passed laboring trucks (and slow cars).Michael Harley, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
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Intended to help those with disabilities gain employment, the law currently has about 40,000 American workers laboring for half the minimum wage or less, according to the Labor Department.Kate Gibson, CBS News, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
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That part is not great, but again, that’s part of trying to open minds and trying to share your truth with people.Them, Them, 11 Dec. 2024
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Leaders now face a myriad of challenges in trying to bring the country together.Juliana Kim, NPR, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Companies pour resources into crafting user-friendly interfaces and personalized services, striving to captivate their audiences.Anna Convery-Pelletier, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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Building and maintaining strong relationships with donors is vital for nonprofits striving for sustainability.Raviraj Hegde, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
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With this shift, AI is seeping into organizations of all shapes and sizes and requiring increasingly more data to be effective.Carlos Melendez, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
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With memory foam for comfort and a design that prevents light from seeping in, this mask lets your eyes blink freely with zero pressure.Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Find your own method to refresh your perspective and continue pushing forward.Nazar Gulyk, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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BlackRock has also been steadily pushing into the private markets this year.Trefis Team, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near straining
Cite this Entry
“Straining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straining. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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