stray 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of straynext
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

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
But these quantum effects are also very fragile, easily disrupted by stray interactions between qubits and the surrounding environment. — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026 This photo promoted his plans to reduce the number of stray animals on El Salvador’s streets. — Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
My longtime podcast obsession is Omnibus, where Ken Jennings and John Roderick try to talk about an esoteric topic but mostly stray and ramble in the best way possible. — David Pierce, The Verge, 15 Aug. 2026 Most of them are thought to be Ukrainian drones that strayed off course due to Russian electronic jamming. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray
  1. random
  2. trespass
  3. scattered
  4. wander
  5. arbitrary
  6. fall
Adjective
  • The backgrounds are sparse and artifical, with generous bloomed lighting and mist applied to seemingly random places.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Paralympic ticket sales will begin sometime in 2027 with a random draw or lottery, similar to how Olympic sales began.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of random
Verb
  • According to a message that school officials sent to parents, the juveniles may have been trespassing on the campus.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Aug. 2026
  • There can also be other charges associated with crossing the border that aren't directly related to trespassing onto military land.
    — Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of trespass
Adjective
  • During a walk through the park, CBS News Philadelphia also found scattered screws, metal fragments and broken glass in parts of the lawn.
    — Eva Andersen, CBS News, 30 July 2026
  • The right conversation could turn scattered effort into a working plan.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
Definition of scattered
Verb
  • Now, in 2026, for just 10,000 won (US$7), adults can wander the derelict site.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The scene was strikingly low-key, almost at odds with the life-altering decision many of the teenagers wandering past his table were weighing.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of wander
Adjective
  • Its attempts to do so, most notably by interweaving elements of 1939’s The Wizard of Oz — including a CGI lion voiced by Colman Domingo — are heavy-handed acts of fan service that feel arbitrary.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Indeed, the representatives of that Government assert that the people of Hawaii are unfit for popular government and frankly avow that they can be best ruled by arbitrary or despotic power.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of arbitrary
Verb
  • When night falls, another show begins with a dedicated corner of the estate designed for stargazing.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Zinc ions enter the electrode first at higher voltages, while much smaller protons are stored later as the voltage falls.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of fall

Browse Nearby Words

straws in the wind
stray
strayed
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Cite this Entry

“Stray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stray. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stray

Nglish: Translation of stray for Spanish Speakers

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