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Definitions

strain

[streyn] / streɪn /
NOUN
pain, due to exertion
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ache anxiety bruise burden injury pressure sprain stress tension
STRONG
brunt constriction effort endeavor exertion force jerk pull stretch struggle tautness tensity twist wrench
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid calmness ease health help peace relaxation relief
STRONG
idleness laziness
WEAK
wellness
NOUN
ancestry
Synonyms
STRONGEST
breed
STRONG
blood descent extraction family lineage pedigree race species stock
NOUN
tone, spirit
Synonyms
STRONG
manner shade spirit streak style suspicion tinge tone touch trace trait vein way
WEAK
soupçon
NOUN
melody
Synonyms
STRONG
air descant diapason lay measure song tune
VERB
stretch, often to limit
Synonyms
STRONGEST
injure sprain tear tighten twist weaken
STRONG
constrict distend distort drive exert extend fatigue overexert overtax overwork pull push rack task tauten tax tire wrench
WEAK
draw tight push to the limit
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fix mend
STRONG
contract discourage dissuade energize refresh release repress shrink unburden
WEAK
calm compress concentrate idle laze placate rest soothe
VERB
work very hard
Synonyms
STRONGEST
try
STRONG
endeavor exert grind hammer hustle labor moil plug push strive struggle sweat toll
WEAK
bear down go all out go for broke peg away
Antonyms
STRONG
conceal hide idle ignore laze procrastinate
WEAK
calm compress concentrate placate rest soothe
VERB
filter
Synonyms
STRONG
exude percolate purify refine riddle screen seep separate sieve sift
Antonyms
STRONG
corrupt dirty pollute
WEAK
calm compress concentrate idle laze placate rest soothe
VERB
cause mental stress
Synonyms
STRONGEST
trouble try
STRONG
distress harass hassle irk pain push stress
WEAK
pick at
Antonyms
STRONG
aid assist help please
WEAK
calm compress concentrate idle laze placate rest soothe

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Infectious disease outbreaks drive up hospitalizations, increase the risk of long-term complications, strain health care systems and cost taxpayers.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

The vaccine targets the H5N1 flu strain which has caused devastating infections in bird populations worldwide and has spread to some mammals.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

One strain focuses on actions taken in 1983 — the last time Congress addressed the program’s finances.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent oil-and-gas prices soaring, putting particular strain on the German economy given its energy-intensive industrial sector.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Do I have some kind of super strain of vitiligo or something?

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish

Vocabulary lists containing strain

Christmas Carol Vocab: A Lyrical Lexicon

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 26–31

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"The Highwayman"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!