strained crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're wrestling with the clue "strained crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "strained crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TAUT: Pulled tight or stretched, showing the effect of tension or strain.
5 Letters
TENSE: Stretched or tight, either physically (muscles) or emotionally (a situation), signifying a state of strain.
6 Letters
FORCED: Done with effort or compulsion, not naturally, indicating a straining effort.
7 Letters
LABORED: Done with great effort or difficulty, often implying a strained movement or sound.
EXERTED: Applied with effort or force, as in 'exerted pressure', which can lead to a strained outcome.
8 Letters
STRESSED: Under mental or emotional pressure; also, a material pushed to its limits. Directly related to strain.
9 Letters
OVERTAXED: Strained by excessive demands or effort, pushed beyond normal capacity.
More About "strained crossword clue"
"Strained" in crosswords is a versatile clue that can refer to various forms of tension, effort, or lack of naturalness. It often points to words that describe something pulled tight, like a rope or a muscle (TAUT, TENSE), or actions performed with great difficulty or against one's will (FORCED, LABORED, EXERTED).
Beyond the physical, 'strained' can also delve into emotional or psychological states, leading to answers like STRESSED. When a situation is 'strained', it implies a sense of awkwardness or uncomfortableness. Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the correct answer from the available letters in your puzzle.
The context provided by other clues in the crossword is always crucial. If the clue hints at physical exertion, words like TAUT or LABORED are strong candidates. If it's about mental pressure, STRESSED might be more appropriate. Always consider the surrounding letters you've already filled in to narrow down the possibilities efficiently.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "strained," consider if it refers to physical tension, emotional state, or something being unnatural/forced. This distinction often guides you to the correct synonym.
- Check Letter Count First: Always count the empty boxes in your grid before looking for answers. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and saves time.
- Look for Common Suffixes/Prefixes: If you have a few letters already, try to spot common endings (e.g., -ED for past tense, -ING for present participle) or beginnings that might fit the meaning.
- Consider Homonyms/Puns: While "strained" might seem straightforward, some clues can be cleverly disguised. Always keep an eye out for double meanings if the direct synonyms don't fit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "strained" typically imply in a crossword clue?
"Strained" often implies something done with effort, under tension, or pulled tight. It can refer to physical exertion, emotional stress, or even a forced interpretation. Common answers relate to words like TAUT, TENSE, FORCED, or LABORED.
How can I find answers for "strained" when I'm stuck?
Consider synonyms for "strained" that fit various contexts: tight, tense, forced, difficult, artificial, stressed, labored. Also, think about common crossword answer lengths for these types of words. Looking at surrounding letters in the puzzle can also provide valuable hints.
Are there different types of "strain" crosswords might refer to?
Yes, "strain" can refer to physical strain (like a muscle), emotional/mental strain (stress), or even the idea of something being "strained" or forced (like a relationship or a smile). Each context might lead to different sets of synonyms and answers.