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:

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.
Scott also has many fine qualities, and the entire Slate team looks forward to straining them to the limit.
Michigan is also celebrated as the "Water Wonderland," because it has "four times as much water-covered area as any state," a curious boast, giving the impression that by the second paragraph, Dunbar is straining to find nice things to say.
Unlike Forbes and Perot, Weld never seems to be straining to garner the public's approval.
Leaning into the collar is working hard: imagine a horse straining against the collar to pull a heavy load.