1
: done or produced with excessive effort
2
: pushed by antagonism near to open conflict
strained relations
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
This includes evaluating how alternate energy sources can supplement strained grids, especially in regions where rapid economic expansion may outpace existing energy infrastructure.
—
Whitaker Irvin Jr., Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Listen to this article GLENDALE, Ariz. — Austin Slater became the latest Chicago White Sox outfielder slowed by an injury after he was scratched from Monday’s lineup because of a strained left oblique.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
The case arrives at the Supreme Court against a backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Mexico.
—Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2025
Many parts, moreover, represent moments of liminality, in which socioeconomic (and, by extension, moral) stratifications are blurred, strained, and volatile.
—Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strained
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Whitaker Irvin Jr., Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Listen to this article GLENDALE, Ariz. — Austin Slater became the latest Chicago White Sox outfielder slowed by an injury after he was scratched from Monday’s lineup because of a strained left oblique.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
The case arrives at the Supreme Court against a backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Mexico.
—Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2025
Many parts, moreover, represent moments of liminality, in which socioeconomic (and, by extension, moral) stratifications are blurred, strained, and volatile.
—Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strained
Cite this Entry
“Strained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strained. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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