strained

Pushed too far

Strained describes something under tension or pressure.

A strained muscle has been overextended.

A strained relationship is tense and uncomfortable: Things have been strained between us since the argument.

A strained smile or laugh looks forced rather than natural.

Strained also means filtered through a strainer: strained tomatoes, strained baby food.

tense

tight

Firmly stretched or fitting

clenched · stretched · pulled · flexed · contracted · constricted · tensed · stressed · wound-up · overwrought

voice

hoarse

Rough in voice

weak · cracked · tight · choked · strangled · faltering · unnatural · artificial · labored · breathless

appearance

drawn

Rendered in lines

  • haggardExhausted in appearance
  • gauntLean from deprivation
  • wanPale and unwell-looking

pinched · pale · tired · weary · exhausted · careworn · fatigued · worn · stressed · hollow

relationship

tension

Stretched or strained state

alienation · friction · conflict · animosity · hostility · resentment · distrust · bitterness · acrimony · breakdown

effort

exertion

Vigorous physical effort

  • struggleLabored effort against resistance
  • laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
  • toilStrenuous, prolonged effort

heave · tug · haul · overexertion · push · wrestle · fatigue · exhaustion · force · sweat

filtered

sieved

Filtered through mesh

sift · percolate · screen · mesh · pulp · liquid · broth · solids · cheesecloth · colander

Categories
Opposites
naturalness/authenticity

strainednatural

Not artificially produced

spontaneous · genuine · effortless · unforced · artless

ease/tension in relationships

strainedrelaxed

Free of stress

easy · friendly · harmonious · cordial · warm

physical/muscular effort

strainedrelaxed

Free of stress

loose · unstrained · rested · effortless · limber

Phrases
Family

strain, restrain, constraint, restrained, strainer, straining, restraining, strains, unrestrained

Familiarity
Top 10,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G