Synonyms for strained

Verb

1. strive, reach, strain, tug, labor, labour, push, drive

usage: to exert much effort or energy; "straining our ears to hear"

2. try, strain, stress, afflict

usage: test the limits of; "You are trying my patience!"

3. strain, extend, use, utilize, utilise, apply, employ

usage: use to the utmost; exert vigorously or to full capacity; "He really extended himself when he climbed Kilimanjaro"; "Don't strain your mind too much"

4. sift, sieve, strain, separate

usage: separate by passing through a sieve or other straining device to separate out coarser elements; "sift the flour"

5. tense, strain, tense up, affect

usage: make tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious;

6. strain, tense, tighten

usage: stretch or force to the limit; "strain the rope"

7. filter, filtrate, strain, separate out, filter out, separate

usage: remove by passing through a filter; "filter out the impurities"

8. puree, strain, rub

usage: rub through a strainer or process in an electric blender; "puree the vegetables for the baby"

9. deform, distort, strain, shape, form

usage: alter the shape of (something) by stress; "His body was deformed by leprosy"

Adjective

1. labored, laboured, strained, awkward (vs. graceful)

usage: lacking natural ease; "a labored style of debating"

2. strained, tense (vs. relaxed)

usage: under great stress; "her voice was strained as she asked the question"

3. constrained, forced, strained, affected (vs. unaffected), unnatural

usage: lacking spontaneity; not natural; "a constrained smile"; "forced heartiness"; "a strained smile"

4. agonistic, strained, affected (vs. unaffected), unnatural

usage: struggling for effect; "agonistic poses"