astray

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈstrā 

1

: off the right path or route : straying

2

: in error : away from what is proper or desirable

Synonyms of astray

• wrong

Examples of astray in a Sentence

I think we were led astray by the unfortunate similarity of the two names

Recent Examples on the Web

Jess McClain, Emma ​Grace Hurley and Ednah Kurgat were leading the race with two miles left when they were led astray, missing out on the podium and a qualification for the WRRC, ⁠which is reserved for the top four finishers. —Reuters, CNN Money, 25 Mar. 2026

My homeland had gone astray, but its beauty was not only its own. —Boris Fishman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026

Sales have certainly perked up, but whether history remembers the J250 as taking the path that saved the badge or leading it astray remains to be seen. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026

The slightest alteration can cause something to go astray, which is magnified when everyone in the stadium expects each snap to be perfect. —Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French estraié wandering, from estraier to stray — more at stray

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for astray

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret
• betray

Kids Definition

astray

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈstrā 

1

: off the right path or route

2

: in or into error