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
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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
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Mar. 2026
The three were apparently hit by stray bullets fired during a dispute involving other people, authorities said.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2026
Dan Raby, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
Just these two questions — plain, practical and soaked in the belief that a woman's dreams must not stray beyond her kitchen walls.
—Joyeeta Banerjee, NPR, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stray
Adjective
Rigid, heavy underwater robots are easily knocked off course by a stray current and fight the water rather than moving with it.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Mar. 2026
The three were apparently hit by stray bullets fired during a dispute involving other people, authorities said.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
The event, which will last around an hour, coincides with a blood moon, where stray bits of sunlight filtering through the Earth's atmosphere turn the moon into a striking red color.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
Just these two questions — plain, practical and soaked in the belief that a woman's dreams must not stray beyond her kitchen walls.
—Joyeeta Banerjee, NPR, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray
Adjective
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Fitzsimmons will still be subject to alcohol checks and random home inspections by probation officers.—
Kristina Rex,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
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And then something random comes up and have to pause.—
Darcel Rockett,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The city discourages trespassing on private property.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
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The area is considered an extension of the Naval Air Facility El Centro, and those who trespass on the militarized zone may face the same penalty as trespassing on a military base.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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And in legislative committees and in debate on Wednesday, sponsors of the new requirement didn’t cite evidence of more than scattered cases in which non-citizens may have voted.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Feb. 2026
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The scattered protests erupted Saturday at universities following 40-day memorials for people killed in January during anti-government rallies.—
Jon Gambrell,
Fortune,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Locals consistently rave about FIG and Leon’s Oyster Shop, though wandering around aimlessly—especially on the city’s lively King Street—is part of the fun, too.—
Annie Daly,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2026
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Memories of the late David Crosby calmly wandering about, checking the performances going on while waiting to play his set, or watching Cuban singer and guitarist Eliades Ochoa, of Buena Vista Social Club fame, enjoying a quiet moment with his family and having an ice cream, come to mind.—
Fernando Gonzalez,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In his ruling, Estudillo said the group failed to show that they were denied passes because of their political affiliations — which would be a violation of their First Amendment rights — and failed to show that the process was arbitrary, which would have violated their due process rights.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
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Teaching of the Kurdish language is restricted, Kurdish names are banned from official registration, and Kurdish activists face arbitrary detention.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Additionally, the Hudson Farmers' Market draws local growers and makers with fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, and flowers on Saturdays from spring to fall.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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The Hurricanes came oh-so-close before falling short, 92-89.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stray. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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