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
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
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Recent Examples of stray
Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
As the players practiced Monday, the fans cheered them on, vying to catch stray balls that headed toward the stands.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
The second way this strays from a Daiquiri is in its heavy dose of Angostura Bitters, which adds tons of texture and the flavors of baking spice.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stray
Adjective
Besides studying Martian weather and observing a stray interstellar comet last year, Maven helped relay information from NASA’s Curiosity and Perseverance rovers on the surface.
—Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
As the players practiced Monday, the fans cheered them on, vying to catch stray balls that headed toward the stands.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
Verb
Rarely did her expression stray from a furrowed brow.
—Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
The second way this strays from a Daiquiri is in its heavy dose of Angostura Bitters, which adds tons of texture and the flavors of baking spice.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray
Adjective
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An offshoot of the popular podcast that actor-comedians Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang have hosted since 2016, the award show aims to celebrate the year’s biggest pop culture moments and plays like a fever dream more dazzling and deliciously random than a late-night scroll session on TikTok.—
Senior Television,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
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These aren’t random acquisitions.—
Ivan Guzenko,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Verb
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The mother had also requested that Field be trespassed from the property.—
CBS Miami Team,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
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As if breaking the law would offer a symbolic release from this double bind, the third video documents Liden trespassing into the apartment of an anonymous hoarder.—
Erika Landström,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Adjective
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Friday, a weakening ridge and an approaching front will allow scattered showers and thunderstorms to develop.—
Lauren Bostwick,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
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Share a draft, then ask a focused question so collaborators offer helpful edits rather than scattered opinions.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2026
Verb
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On our lunch break, we were given time to wander Paris and observe the city through the lens of our story.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
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For something more unexpected, wander through Philadelphia's Magic Gardens or seek out the city’s iconic murals, part of one of the largest public art programs in the country.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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The anniversary feels arbitrary to Tran, a math teacher.—
Terry Tang,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
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And not simply the tariff policies, but the arbitrary on and off nature of them.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
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Two families in Annapolis are displaced after trees fell onto homes following Friday's thunderstorm, according to city officials.—
Kaicey Baylor,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
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Xcel Energy’s bills in Colorado continue to fall below the national average for electric rates, Isenberg added.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stray. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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