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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Recent Examples of strain
Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
Doctors say getting the flu vaccine is still worth it to protect against other strains that may emerge this season.
—Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
The war in Ukraine exposes these trans-Atlantic strains most acutely.
—Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for strain
Noun
For millions of professionals, the workday looks like long hours sitting at a desk, minimal movement, and the accumulation of physical strain over time.
—Verb
Although the meeting went smoothly and led to concrete commitments, the bonhomie was strained by uncomfortable questions at a news conference about the issue hanging over the day’s diplomacy.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for strain
Verb
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The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.—
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Bruce Bennett / Getty Images TORONTO — Anthony Stolarz pulled Dennis Hildeby in close as the 6-foot-7 Swede was putting the finishing touches on his goalie gear.—
Verb
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For a subtle but meaningful change, this set of floral sheer curtains from Kelly Clarkson adds a romantic touch to any room while filtering light.—
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Reports began to filter in that insurrectionists, some of whom were believed to be armed and on a mission to kill, had breached the Capitol.—
Verb
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His strength on defense was particularly impressive for a freshman, as TCU big men Xavier Edmonds and David Punch struggled to create good looks inside the lane thanks in large part to the defense of Peat.—
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Players throughout the Heat’s rotation struggled to make shots.—
Verb
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Jessica Chastain wore a custom Cucinelli gown dripping in diamond accents and talked shop with DuVernay.—
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As fog passes through, tiny droplets cling to the mesh, combine and drip into gutters that funnel the water into storage tanks.—
Verb
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Just as Victor appeared to break open, Jackson leaped into the air, stretched his right arm skyward and pulled down a dazzling one-handed catch at the 3-yard line.—
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Brandon Fried, executive director of the Airforwarders Association, which represents hundreds of air cargo companies, said flight reductions will worsen the disruption already being felt across the aviation sector as the federal government shutdown stretches on.—
Verb
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Progressive caucus members have also discussed legislation to tighten the reporting requirements for multinational corporations who might shift profits into tax havens offshore.—
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Georgia cut the lead to 59-52 on a 3-pointer by Kanon Catchings, but the Bulldogs missed their next seven of eight shots as Florida’s defense tightened its grip.—
Verb
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After Beck’s winning TD an assistant coach on the sideline hugged Cristobal from behind but the head coach broke free and wanted none if that -- because Ole Miss and gifted QB Trinidad Chambliss had the ball left without about a half-minute left.—
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In January 2025, Lane posted a photo on Instagram of himself hugging Layla and wishing her a happy birthday.—
Verb
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Stay away from windows as flying debris generated by damaging winds can be deadly.—
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According to Brown, Hurricane Michael damaged 80 percent of the park’s namesake trees, but through a project with the Florida Park Service and Atlanta Botanical Garden, seeds obtained from living trees are being grown and planted in the ravine habitat at Torreya State Park.—
Cite this Entry
“Strain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strain. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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