as in wrong
off the desired or intended path or course
I think we were led astray by the unfortunate similarity of the two names
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Recent Examples of astray
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
Arriving early also helps, as bags checked at the last minute are more likely to go astray.
—Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
Arriving early also helps, as bags checked at the last minute are more likely to go astray.
—Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for astray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astray
wrong
Adverb
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The audit, though, called out the risky approach to that mission, noting the agency has no plan in place for a rescue if something were to go wrong on the flight.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Mar. 2026
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While the initial explanation from the Padres was that King slept wrong, doctors told him the nerve got stretched too much over time and essentially shut off for a while.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Astray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astray. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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