1 strained | Definition of strained

strained

adjective
\ ˈstrānd How to pronounce strained (audio) \

Definition of strained

1 : done or produced with excessive effort
2 : pushed by antagonism near to open conflict strained relations

Keep scrolling for more

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

The strained relationship culminated in North Korea testing an intercontinental ballistic missiles on November 28, 2017 that Pyongyang said could reach the US mainland. David Culver, CNN, "North Korea testing 'creative' weapons that could threaten US, experts say," 8 Sep. 2019 Rumble said Dorey’s return to California was, in part, and attempt to reconcile with his father and repair parts of their strained relationship. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Murder trial underway for man accused in father’s beating death in Rancho Santa Fe," 30 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'strained.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of strained

circa 1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for strained

strained

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of strained

: feeling or showing the effect of too much work, use, effort, etc.
: not natural and sincere
: not friendly and relaxed

strained

adjective
\ ˈstrānd How to pronounce strained (audio) \

Kids Definition of strained

1 : showing the effects of worry and concern a strained voice
2 : not easy or natural a strained smile
3 : not friendly or relaxed Relations between the countries are strained.

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on strained

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with strained

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for strained

Spanish Central: Translation of strained

Nglish: Translation of strained for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of strained for Arabic Speakers

×

You're never
too cool to learn something new.

Sign up for our Word of the Day
daily newsletter!