STRAY Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

stray 1 of 2

adjective

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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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

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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

According to the New York City Police Department, two individuals on a moped approached the intersection of Moore Street and Humboldt Street in Brooklyn when the individual riding on the back fired a weapon multiple times, with a stray bullet striking a young girl on the sidewalk. —

Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026 Any stray kernels will probably end up covered in crumbs, hair, and dust, all of which edge their way between cushions. —

Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2026

Verb

For years, Republican lawmakers and education leaders have argued that sociology — especially high-enrollment introductory courses — has been overtaken by progressive ideology and strayed from empirical scholarship. —

Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026 The Sonos Play doesn't stray far from the company's longtime industrial design. —

Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray

Adjective

Recent poll results shared at a Tuesday night hearing showed 55% of those in a random sample were favorable to a mill levy override.

— Olivia Young, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
No doubt, this isn’t some random list, these three players remaining on the roster when so many others were dumped overboard.

— Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026