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

Relevance

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

Laika was a 3-year-old stray husky-spitz mix from the streets of Moscow, and she was recruited by the Soviet space program for her small size and calm temperament. — Hanneke Weitering, Space.com, 3 Nov. 2026 In Kansas, Wichita Police said an after-party early Saturday resulted in four people shot, including one 36-year-old man hit in the face by a stray bullet while looking outside of his window, CNN affiliate KAKE reported. — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Verb

Charlie Weasley is a minor character in the books and does not appear in the films, so the HBO series is straying from the movies regarding Ron Weasley’s older brother. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026 Matthew Stafford does not typically stray much from comments about sticking with his process. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray

Adjective

The program picks a random point in space and draws a line across the entire domain.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
Searches and requests are associated with a random identifier — a long string of letters and numbers — not a user’s Apple Account.

— John Higgins, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of random

Adjective

During the late morning-early afternoon hours of Friday, scattered area of lake-effect showers will develop and affect especially the northern and western portions of our forecast area.

— Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 12 Nov. 2026
Security is thin and scattered downtown, and that morning was no different.

— DP Opinion, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of scattered

Verb

Lewa is teeming with reticulated giraffe, black and white rhino, Grevy’s zebra, leopard, cheetah, and lion, while elephants regularly wander through Sirikoi’s backyard.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Nov. 2026
Ahead of Halloween, the farm can easily see more than a thousand people a day stop by to pick up a pumpkin or wander through their massive corn maze.

— Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of wander

Adjective

Federal prosecutors accuse Maduro and Flores of directing a campaign of political repression involving brutal interrogations, arbitrary detentions and the mistreatment of prisoners.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
On October 9, 2026, a federal district court ruled that the policy exceeds the Justice Department's authority, is arbitrary and capricious, and violates federal law.

— Eric McDaniel, NPR, 28 Oct. 2026