STRAY Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

stray 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of stray

as in random

lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern stray sightings of UFO's, none of which have been rigorously analyzed by scientists

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stray

2 of 2

verb

as in to trespass

to commit an offense our straying son swears he's returned to the straight and narrow

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of stray

Adjective

Hot, dry conditions across states from California to Colorado to Utah have officials worried that any stray spark from fireworks could ignite an out-of-control conflagration. — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Compost piles can house wasps and rodents while also attracting every stray dog and raccoon in the neighborhood. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 June 2026

Verb

The Stars probably do not want to stray too far from Rantanen’s salary. — Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Notion, however, has strayed from releasing direct follow-up products to Skiff’s portfolio. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray

Adjective

That production cap isn't random – Ferrari carefully chose it to honor the 1,499cc displacement of the company's very first V12 engine introduced in 1947.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 July 2026
This equipment can also drift from its initial settings due to random factors, such as the hardware heating up as it’s used.

— John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026

Definition of random

Verb

How the climbing couple got past security Prosecutors told the judge on July 2 that the defendants had trespassed overnight in the building before making the climb.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Instead of Cady as rapist, Cape Fear seems to be going for a general theme of Cady as violator, someone who is trespassing not singularly on a female body but on the Bowdens’ trustworthiness.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026

Definition of trespass

Verb

However, because his hearing aids connected directly to the ringtone, the two ended up wandering around the house, using the changing volume to narrow down its location instead of listening for the phone itself.

— Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Modeled after a European village, the collection of boutiques, restaurants, and attractions is a great place to wander.

— Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026

Definition of wander

Adjective

Every state taxes alcoholic beverages, though the tax treatment of certain alcoholic beverages may appear arbitrary.

— Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
The war period saw its own moments of threats to rights, such as suspending habeas corpus, the legal mechanism to prevent arbitrary detention.

— Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Definition of arbitrary

Verb

Some older employees who have benefited from a booming stock market may be retiring feeling comfortable with their 401(k)s, though that doesn’t explain why the participation rate for people ages 25 to 55 has fallen.

— Rachel Barber, USA Today, 9 July 2026
But for some Atlanta businesses, the major soccer tournament has fallen far short of expectations.

— Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of fall

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“Stray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stray. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of stray

adjective

verb

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