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

Thousands have spent more than a decade behind bars for a passing protest, a stray chant, or a post on a screen. — Abdelrahman Elgendy, Time, 6 Oct. 2026 Fortunately, the atmosphere absorbs most of them, but a few stray particles pass through your body every second. — Tyce Deyoung, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026

Verb

The smart obstacle sensors steer clear of toys and stray charging cables, while the multi-stage dock automatically washes and dries the pads between cycles. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026 Lume That said, fitting a toilet room inside one's smallest, most affordable floor plan is a win in itself, particularly for buyers looking to stray from organized campgrounds with central bathrooms. — New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray

Adjective

Instead of projecting random stars, the Pococo Galaxy Projector uses projection discs to fill the room with gorgeous, sharp images of planets, galaxies and much more.

— Chris McMullen, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026
After posting a picture on a random rock in the Turkish highlands on Instagram, Salah has transformed the spot into a tourist attraction, with droves of fans making the pilgrimage.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 6 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

Adjective

More scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected on Wednesday afternoon.

— CBS News, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
The scattered pieces of the former storm will likely drift over the Caribbean and soak Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Hispaniola with a few inches of rain, some of which will reach Florida.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of scattered

Verb

Milan might be better known internationally for its fashion houses and design scene, but anyone who has spent an evening wandering around its neighborhoods will know that going out for a drink is practically part of a local's daily routine.

— Alessia Armenise, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
In addition to wandering through the patch and harvesting prized pumpkins, there are many activities at Pumpkin Palooza to keep you and your family entertained.

— Hali Smith October 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of wander

Adjective

Its rules about transfers and conference membership seem arbitrary and deferential to the Southeastern and Big Ten conferences, college football's most influential.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Rights and media freedom groups have separately warned of police violence, arbitrary detentions, unauthorized surveillance and threats against journalists.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of arbitrary

Verb

On the price front, China's residential prices have already fallen by 22% since a 2021 peak, compared with a 67% drop in Japan's after a far greater run-up in prices, the S&P report said.

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Insider buying fell 18% to 1,290 buyers, down from 1,580 in the second quarter.

— Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026