Words similar to straining

Example sentences for: straining

How can you use “straining” in a sentence? Here are some example sentences to help you improve your vocabulary:

Unlike Forbes and Perot, Weld never seems to be straining to garner the public's approval.
On June 7, 1996, the Maine Public Radio announcer, reading the midday news report, spoke of a local philanthropist who was doughnutting something-or-other—I did not learn what because I was straining to understand that mysterious verb and, too late, realized donating had been meant.
Leaning into the collar is working hard: imagine a horse straining against the collar to pull a heavy load.
Washington Square is said to compare favorably with last winter's revisionist Portrait of a Lady , since it "respects James' complexities and bitter ironies" (David Ansen, Newsweek ). Critics also praise its "brusque, energetic pace" (Janet Maslin, the New York Times ) and Leigh's "heartbreakingly good" performance ( People ). The New Republic 's Stanley Kauffmann dissents, calling the film "ill at ease, uncomfortable, straining for effect."
Scott also has many fine qualities, and the entire Slate team looks forward to straining them to the limit.