strained (Meaning)

Wordnet

strained (s)

lacking natural ease

showing signs of mental and emotional tension

lacking spontaneity; not natural

struggling for effect

The dancer's movements were graceful and fluid, but his expression remained strained.
The relationship between the siblings had become strained after a recent argument.
The old man's voice was strained and barely audible, as if he had been shouting too much.
The financial situation had strained the family's resources to the limit.
The strained silence between them was more eloquent than any words.
The strained muscles in her neck and shoulders ached after a long day at the computer.
The strained smile on her face betrayed her inner turmoil.
The relationship between the two countries had been strained by a series of border disputes.
The strained fabric of the old dress threatened to tear with every movement.
Despite the strained atmosphere, the meeting proceeded without incident.

lacking natural ease, showing signs of mental and emotional tension, lacking spontaneity; not natural, struggling for effect

false, exaggerated, forced, mechanical, mock, fake,unnatural, affected, artificial, simulated

natural,unaffected, right, true, bona fide, authentic, real, unaffected, realistic, bona fide

The dancer's movements were graceful and fluid, but his expression remained strained.

The relationship between the siblings had become strained after a recent argument.

The old man's voice was strained and barely audible, as if he had been shouting too much.

The financial situation had strained the family's resources to the limit.