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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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

That the actress put in the work to match the character’s muscular physique is no doubt impressive, but the number of stray shots of women’s buttocks makes the film feel uncomfortable retrograde. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 The drunken Ken spends his time on such things as warbling a karaoke version of a 4 Non Blondes song while an unkempt Ryu is a purveyor of ramen so bad even a stray cat won’t eat it. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 15 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

The audit, released Monday, identified a host of issues, including regulators’ failure to meet regular inspection schedules or to conduct sufficient random checks at dispensaries for contaminated products.

— Christopher Osher, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026
There is nothing truly random about whether a coin comes up heads or tails.

— Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 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

The 2-1 decision rejected Anthropic's argument that the Department of Defense's ban on its Claude models was arbitrary, unauthorized and unconstitutional.

— Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
But labor campaigners said in the statement that their wage demand wasn’t arbitrary.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of arbitrary

Verb

In most cases where the acquirer is en route to paying a price amounting to a humongous PE, the acquirer’s stock falls.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
The Orionid meteor shower creates one of the most brilliant displays in the night sky each fall — but this year’s celestial event may have a dimmer showing due to a bright moon.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026