stray 1 of 2

Definition of straynext

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
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, 1 June 2026 Over the last year and a half, McConnell has softened the blow with stray compliments to Trump. David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Verb
The Piano Man, who was born in the Bronx and raised on Long Island, hasn’t strayed too far from his New York roots. Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 4 June 2026 Stepner then threw to second to double off the runner, who had strayed too far off the bag. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray
Adjective
  • But, a series of random attacks that left two women dead and a man injured in Atlanta over the past few weeks have some locals on edge, and others wondering if the city is truly prepared to handle the safety of thousands of extra people.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 June 2026
  • The vast majority of e-chucks are made of ceramic — hence Toto’s seemingly random decision to add them to its portfolio.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • Walking on private ground without permission is clearly trespassing in Montana.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • There will be some scattered rain in cabin country up north Wednesday, but everyone else will see plenty of sun with heat but low humidity.
    Mike Augustyniak, CBS News, 3 June 2026
  • 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
  • These suede clog mules are an easy choice for everything, including early bakery runs, long travel days, and wandering through mountain towns.
    Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026
  • Fueled up after a good breakfast, there’s nothing more NorCal than wandering around a farmers market and ogling the seasonal produce.
    Becky Duffett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Given that, the court concluded that forcing UCAR to give up its supercomputing center was arbitrary and capricious, and thus violated the Administrative Procedures Act.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 June 2026
  • More people know about arbitrary arrests and imprisonments.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • For the Fever, who entered the season as championship contenders, the first 10 games have fallen well short of expectations, as scrutiny continues to mount on head coach Stephanie White.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026
  • Migrant arrivals in the Canary Islands peaked in 2024 at nearly 47,000, but have fallen dramatically, with just over 2,000 people landing there in the first four months of 2026.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stray. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on stray

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster