1
as in lineages
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended
descended from a strain of Irish seafarers
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Relevance
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2
as in melodies
a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect
the strain of an old Irish ballad rose up from the revelers downstairs
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3
as in splashes
a very small amount
detected a strain of panic in her voice when she asked if the substance was poisonous
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4
as in types
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 stresses
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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1
as in pulls
to injure by overuse, misuse, or pressure
in order to lift something heavy, squat down and lift with your legs, or you'll strain your back
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2
as in filters
to pass through a filter
better strain that coffee thoroughly to get all the grounds out
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3
as in struggles
to devote serious and sustained effort
the whole department is straining to complete the project before the deadline
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4
as in drips
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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5
as in stretches
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 hugs
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
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Cite this Entry
“Strains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strains. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.
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