Synonyms of stray

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• random
• scattered
• arbitrary
• erratic
• accidental
• lucky
• sporadic
• aimless
• haphazard
• contingent
• desultory
• chance
• odd
• casual
• inadvertent
• spot
• slapdash
• irregular
• hit-or-miss
• helter-skelter
• unintended
• incidental
• unintentional
• unconsidered
• unplanned
• catch-as-catch-can
• shotgun
• indiscriminate
• fortuitous
• directionless
• unsystematic
• purposeless
• unpremeditated
• scattershot
• chancy
• disorganized
• disorderly
• undirected
• fluky
• undiscriminating
• objectless
• unselective

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regular
• systematic
• regular
• constant
• orderly
• fixed
• steady
• continuous
• stable
• organized
• even
• established
• set
• arranged
• aware
• methodical
• nonrandom
• systematized
• conscious
• planned
• deliberate
• managed
• ordered
• purposeful
• thoughtful
• willful
• orchestrated

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

• trespass
• wander
• fall
• err
• offend
• sin
• transgress
• violate
• fall from grace
• break the law
• infringe
• breach
• lapse
• break
• backslide
• mess up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• justify
• forgive
• pardon
• regret
• repent
• rue

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stray

Adjective

The rescue comes as shelters across the region prepare for an influx of stray pets following Fourth of July celebrations, when fireworks often frighten dogs into running away from home. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Residents who need to surrender pets or bring in stray animals will still be directed there. — Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Verb

The French knew about some of Stalin’s excesses—the show trials, the labor camps, the bloody purges of those who strayed from the party line. — Literary Hub, 21 July 2026

In much of literary fiction, characters and settings are developed slowly, through the gradual accrual of discrete moments that rarely stray from the mundane and the reasonable. — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026