Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Tough water-quality rules are straining its wastewater plants, and it has been considering an expensive upgrade at one of them.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Eight in 10 Americans say gasoline prices are straining their household budgets, according to a new NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

The buildout comes at a cost: power-hungry facilities are straining local grids and driving up electricity bills, contributing to a nearly 17 percent jump in the average New Jersey household's energy costs last year.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Immigration raids are straining school communities across California, where about 1 million children have a parent who is undocumented and about 300,000 students are undocumented themselves.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 29, 2025

The veins in her neck and face are straining, pushing out from her skin.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer