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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of strain
Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
As credit card debt surges past $1.2 trillion, interest rates remain stubbornly high, and uncertainty around tariffs adds pressure on the cost of everyday goods, many Americans are feeling the strain.
—Nandan Sheth, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Hanna D. Paton, The Conversation, 15 Apr. 2025
This left many children growing up without parents, straining families, communities, and national infrastructure.
—Jonathan Ellen, National Review, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strain
Noun
Some brands release limited-edition products, such as unique strains or special packaging, to further entice cannabis enthusiasts.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
As credit card debt surges past $1.2 trillion, interest rates remain stubbornly high, and uncertainty around tariffs adds pressure on the cost of everyday goods, many Americans are feeling the strain.
—Nandan Sheth, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
For example, strains that typically infect pigs or birds may acquire the ability to infect people.
—Hanna D. Paton, The Conversation, 15 Apr. 2025
This left many children growing up without parents, straining families, communities, and national infrastructure.
—Jonathan Ellen, National Review, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for strain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strain
Verb
-
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
-
Jefferson’s Reserve Cask Strength is an eight-year-old bourbon that is non-chill filtered and bottled at 130 proof (65 percent ABV).—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2025
-
American confidence is based on what's in people's wallet, and Trump's actions point to higher consumer bills, and smaller 401k pots for years to come—with a suspicion that this is all to deliver tax cuts that won't filter down to the Average Working Joe.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
And their struggling offense is becoming a major concern.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Now, nearly a month after signing, the Tucson, Arizona, native is finally back in the big leagues, thanks to the struggling Braves' desperation to fill their outfield slots.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Those morning drip coffees and lattes are going to cost more.—
Isaac Avilucea,
Axios,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The team's modeling showed that the craton dripped when the Farallon Plate was present in the mantle; when the plate was removed from the calculations, the dripping stopped.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Dark hardwood floors stretch over to the formal dining area, which sits opposite the chef’s kitchen.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Because your stomach stretches, moves, and flexes more than other areas, Ellis notes, navel piercings can be more prone to irritation than other piercings and can have a longer healing process.—
Marianne Mychaskiw,
Allure,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Texas bills would tighten uncertified teacher rules A provision in Texas House Bill 2 would bar school districts from employing teachers without certifications, and give them extra money to certify any teachers who aren’t already certified.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Yet, risks of a global economic downturn still threaten the sector, which could cause all consumers to tighten their purse strings.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
There was the infamous time McMahon punished Triple H for hugging Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels in the center of the ring at a house show, breaking kayfabe when this was something wrestlers didn't do.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The video shows another woman scooting under the table and hugging her knees to her chest, as shaky sobs can be heard in the background.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
18 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
-
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 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share