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

But sometimes being a friend means speaking hard truths when Israeli policy goes astray or outright jeopardizes what Washington seeks to achieve in the Middle East. — Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

From breakfast to a sweet afternoon treat, these pastries won’t lead you astray. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026

The trailer suggests that she’s been swept up in Hollywood’s decadence, led astray following her breakthrough role. — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2026

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

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