strains 1 of 3

plural of strain
1
2
as in melodies
a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect the strain of an old Irish ballad rose up from the revelers downstairs

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4

strains

2 of 3

noun (2)

plural of strain
as in stresses
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

strains

3 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of strain
1
as in pulls
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in filters
to pass through a filter better strain that coffee thoroughly to get all the grounds out

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3
4
as in drips
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
6
as in tightens
to draw tight the dog strained its leash trying to get to the cat

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

7

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of strains
Noun
Dengue by the Numbers While dengue virus has four distinct strains, having one type of virus doesn't provide immunity from others. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 Dengue by the Numbers While dengue virus has four distinct strains, having one type of virus doesn't provide immunity from others. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 Dengue by the Numbers While dengue virus has four distinct strains, having one type of virus doesn't provide immunity from others. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 Dengue by the Numbers While dengue virus has four distinct strains, having one type of virus doesn't provide immunity from others. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 Despite the political and societal strains that may persist following the election, more than 7 in 10 adults (71 percent) said that celebrating the holidays this year will be a welcome distraction from their stress. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 Despite the political and societal strains that may persist following the election, more than 7 in 10 adults (71 percent) said that celebrating the holidays this year will be a welcome distraction from their stress. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 Despite the political and societal strains that may persist following the election, more than 7 in 10 adults (71 percent) said that celebrating the holidays this year will be a welcome distraction from their stress. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 Despite the political and societal strains that may persist following the election, more than 7 in 10 adults (71 percent) said that celebrating the holidays this year will be a welcome distraction from their stress. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strains
Verb
  • But of course, the Federation pulls her back in.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024
  • With cum still in his mouth, Lee pulls himself back up and kisses Allerton deeply before wiping away the remnants of semen running down his chin.
    David Opie, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • As the rest of the city struggles through violent crime, Johnson reportedly maintains a security detail of nearly 100 officers in Unit 544 — the group of officers assigned to protect the mayor.
    Dylan Sharkey, Chicago Tribune, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Everyone struggles with it in different ways.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Every business strives to hire and keep the best talent, as high-performing employees can help increase efficiency, improve creativity and create a healthy working culture.
    Jack Chen, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
  • Being that Scorpio is known for deepness, the secrets shared prove that anyone can forge closeness — an ideal the Water sign strives for.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The inherent creepiness of the setting seeps into every frame of the film.
    Scott Phillips, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
  • The gathering of information for sustainability reporting and the overall strategy for sustainability and climate policies seeps into every area of a business.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Maurice also tries to replicate some dishes that his grandmother from Jamaica would make such as her oxtail, rice and peas, and iced tea.
    Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Infused with cica, green tea, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E to soothe and protect the skin barrier, the formula works for people of all skin types.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 30 Nov. 2024
  • This handheld vacuum has 69,000 five-star ratings, works on carpet, hardwood, and tile floors, and weighs less than 3 pounds.
    Isabel Garcia, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • At the outset, Reid’s character exudes big loser energy, which is such an amusing contrast to his work as Lestat.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Dec. 2024
  • So, despite the occasional cliché, Exit exudes authenticity.
    SPIN Contributor, SPIN, 4 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near strains

Cite this Entry

“Strains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strains. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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