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

Many writers travelled to Jonestown to survey the shambles and determine whether this was a utopian experiment gone astray or a madman’s fever dream destined to fail. — Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 14 July 2026

The state made an effort to reclaim payments that were sent in error, but there’s been no comprehensive audit and reconciliation for people who should have received benefits but did not, or for those whose payments went astray. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2026

And because of that canon, Tapert and Raimi are there to ensure that any subversions don’t go too far astray. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Mora geed the crowd up but his passes went astray. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 26 June 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
• assez
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

Kids Definition

astray

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈstrā 

1

: off the right path or route

2

: in or into error