Strain at is a phrasal verb that means to make an effort or to struggle. There are several synonyms for this phrase, and they include: 1. Struggle - To make a great effort. 2. Endeavour - To try hard to achieve something. 3. Exert - To apply oneself diligently. 4. Push oneself - To try harder than usual to succeed. 5. Exert oneself - To put in an extra effort to accomplish something. 6. Labor - To work hard. 7. Sweat - To work hard and make an effort to achieve something. 8. Tug - To strive hard, or struggle with great effort. These synonyms can be used interchangeably with the phrase "strain at" to communicate the same message. So, when next you're struggling with an activity, you can use these synonyms to describe your efforts.