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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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

In response to the growing array of security threats, Romania and Poland acquired the MEROPS system, which fires short counter-drones to take down incoming stray drones. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026 The story follows two sisters with vastly different personalities and a stray cat that unexpectedly enters their lives. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026

Verb

Are there stray members of Antaan’s alien faction who came back for further vengeance? — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2026 This Rejuvenation coat rack has enough room to house a whole family of coats, umbrellas, and stray grocery totes. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray

Adjective

In 1900, French mathematician Louis Bachelier used mathematics to model the random movement of prices in his Sorbonne thesis.

— Mamadou-Abou Sarr, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
How the Blue Cross fraud claims unfolded In January 2023, Blue Cross NC’s special investigations unit flagged C&FD and requested medical, operational and credentialing records for a random sample of 419 member claims, according to the lawsuit.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of random

Verb

Israel wages war on childhood because a Palestinian child at play is already trespassing upon the future Israel has reserved for itself.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
The Tohono O’odham Nation said that even if construction were contained to the Roosevelt Reservation, driving onto tribal land to access the area still constitutes trespassing.

— Mikella Schuettler, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of trespass

Adjective

Monday in Philadelphia stays cool and unsettled, with the front stalled just south of the region and scattered rain chances, especially across southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware.

— Andrew Kozak, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
The scattered pieces of the former storm will likely drift over the Caribbean and soak Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Hispaniola with a few inches of rain, some of which will reach Florida.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of scattered

Adjective

He was convicted of four counts of war crimes including murder, torture, cruel treatment and arbitrary detention.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
Human rights groups and United Nations officials have accused the Syrian government of widespread abuses in its detention facilities, including torture and arbitrary detention of thousands of people, in many cases without informing their families.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026