stray 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of straynext
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

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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
If you have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or an animal suspected to have rabies, seek medial care immediately and let your provider know about the possible exposure. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 July 2026 New York Liberty guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was tossed from a tight 93-91 loss to the Toronto Tempo after pegging opponent Marina Mabrey in the back with a stray shoe. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026
Verb
The full text menu doesn't stray from Canon EOS R still cameras. — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026 The Athletics’ second season based in West Sacramento, unfortunately for them, hasn’t strayed too far from the first. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray
  1. random
  2. trespass
  3. scattered
  4. wander
  5. arbitrary
  6. fall
Adjective
  • The maximalist space is filled with art pieces big and small — drawings taped up, random plant pots and street signs, scrap-metal sculptures and realist paintings.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026
  • Amid the random parts stitched together to fill 10 half-hour episodes (which are actually 30 minutes or less, thank God), there are intriguing patterns.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
Definition of random
Verb
  • Since then, no one has been cited, trespassed or arrested for bringing weapons into the park, city and police officials told the Orlando Sentinel.
    — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 July 2026
  • In August, Denver fined GFI $140,000 for letting the building become a magnet for vandals, vagrants and urban explorers who trespass and post videos on TikTok.
    — Thomas Gounley, Denver Post, 9 July 2026
Definition of trespass
Adjective
  • The right conversation could turn scattered effort into a working plan.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
  • If your data is messy, scattered or stale, the AI output fails.
    — Sagi Eliyahu, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of scattered
Verb
  • So would pianist Jake Shapiro, tickling the ivories as one wandered, to the limited extent one was allowed to wander.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
  • Find one in your area, and wander through blooming gardens, admire landscape design ideas, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 20 July 2026
Definition of wander
Adjective
  • In previous work, Sarkar and his colleagues developed a method capable of self-testing arbitrary quantum states and measurements.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
  • Retirement experts caution, though, that any arbitrary savings goal is of limited use, more a guidepost than a hard target.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 18 July 2026
Definition of arbitrary
Verb
  • Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • Micron Technology sank 8%, Intel lost more than 4%, while Lam Research and Advanced Micro Devices each fell about 3%.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of fall

Browse Nearby Words

straws in the wind
stray
strayed
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Cite this Entry

“Stray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stray. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stray

Nglish: Translation of stray for Spanish Speakers

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