strained

there was a strained silence.

a strained expression

Jean's pale, strained face.

listen with strained ears

strained the pulp from the juice.

a mule that strained at the lead.

a bowl of strained peaches.

a story that strained our credibility.

The liquid strained easily.

Relations are rather strained at present.

he strained her tolerance to the limit.

the bear strained at the chain around its neck.

she strained the infant to her bosom again.

I put on my strained smile for the next customer.

my example may seem a little strained and artificial.

strained the sheets over the bed.

The dog strained at its leash.