STRAY Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

stray 1 of 2

adjective

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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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

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Recent Examples of stray

Adjective

The stray bullet passed through his belly button, killing him almost instantly. —

Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026 Last week, Latvia’s government collapsed following a dispute over the handling of multiple incidents involving stray drones suspected to be from Ukraine. —

Liudas Dapkus, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026

Verb

Separately, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia's powerful Security Council, warned European leaders that drones would continue to stray into their countries and prevent their populations from sleeping peacefully. —

George Calin, USA Today, 29 May 2026 The team's 11 straight playoff wins follow years of deliberate, shrewd team-building that strayed from the high-risk, instant gratification personnel moves that marked much of the Dolan era. —

Alex Sherman, CNBC, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray

Adjective

Only an elite few celebrities are capable of busting out an effortlessly cool, yet utterly elevated ’fit on a random Tuesday afternoon, when left to their own devices.

— Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 28 May 2026
At first, my husband brushed them off as random expenses or transfers, but something felt off.

— Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 28 May 2026