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

Mischa Glooshkoff, aka Michael Graves, has light brown curls, a wicked grin, and a wiry frame—perfect casting for the grand boulevardier who would lead my naïve young father astray. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026

Time is running out for a Republican Party led astray by a president whose treacherous behavior mimics those assigned to the lowest level of Dante’s hell. — Bob Kustra, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

As nightmare thought experiments shape the fight over how to govern a multitrillion-dollar industry, some experts say the parables may lead decision-makers astray. — Nitasha Tiku, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026

There are plenty of success stories out there from people who weren't led astray. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 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