Strained Definition

strained
adjective
  1. lacking natural ease; "a labored style of debating"
  2. showing signs of mental and emotional tension; "her voice was strained as she asked the question"
  3. lacking spontaneity; not natural; "a constrained smile"; "forced heartiness"; "a strained smile"
  4. struggling for effect; "agonistic poses"

"Strained" in song lyrics

See how strained is used in real songs:

  • "I thought you was the vein from the way they had you strained"
    Black Moon — Buckshot's Freestyle Joint
  • "And I don't know why things seem so strained"
    Cadence — Falling Apart
  • "Vision's blurred, eyes' strained"
    Classified — Intro! Ups and Downs

Usage tips for "strained"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "strained" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for strained to find words that pair well.

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