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

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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

But the pizzaiolo apron a tough canvas piece that holds up to more than a few stray tomato sauce spills. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026 Valdes, who was turning 28, was killed by a stray bullet fired by police in the early morning hours of June 14, 2025, outside a Wynwood nightclub. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Verb

For those in search of a scent trail that strays from the familiar, incense is an intriguing choice. — Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026 These fatalities are sparking calls for drivers to pay more attention and stray away from driving while under the influence. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray

Adjective

Belting out random songs while delivering high-level physical comedy and acting takes skill.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Furthermore, the whiskers are in front, preventing the drone from detecting sideways obstacles like random jagged branches in a forest.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 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

Verb

Crowley, once a logging camp, can’t be reached by road, but train passengers can wander among picnic tables, fire pits, cornhole games and a massive, gnarled old redwood known as the Wolf Tree.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Bucks will temporarily abandon much of their natural caution and wander around in unfamiliar territory searching for does.

— Colin Moore, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of wander

Adjective

But labor campaigners said in the statement that their wage demand wasn’t arbitrary.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
The initiative has not yet produced a universal virtual cell capable of accurately predicting arbitrary biological responses.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of arbitrary

Verb

But the opening period didn’t end without a scary moment, as Antetokounmpo fell hard on his back side after being fouled on a dunk attempt late in the first quarter.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Shares of Oracle fell about 9% amid a broader downturn for stocks of top AI stakeholders.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026