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

In many cases, the issue is something simple, like an incorrect address or a piece of mail that went astray. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Breakfast is a more casual affair on the patio, where fresh smoothies, fruit, and granola keep the wellness crowd on the straight and narrow—until traditional Sicilian cakes and pastries such as apricot cake lead them astray. —Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

In a hilarious new promo video ahead of her Saturday Night hosting stint this weekend, the singer gets all prepped to face the New York City cold before her plans to enjoy some holiday magic go astray. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 17 Dec. 2025

Some airlines are adopting new technology to reduce the number of bags that go astray. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025

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