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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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

In response to the growing array of security threats, Romania and Poland acquired the MEROPS system, which fires short counter-drones to take down incoming stray drones. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026 The story follows two sisters with vastly different personalities and a stray cat that unexpectedly enters their lives. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026

Verb

During the aerial barrages, drones have repeatedly strayed into neighboring countries, unnerving leaders who are wary of Russia and fear being dragged into conflict. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026 That matters even more in a family bathroom stocked with bath toys, step stools and stray Legos. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray

Adjective

In 1900, French mathematician Louis Bachelier used mathematics to model the random movement of prices in his Sorbonne thesis.

— Mamadou-Abou Sarr, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
How the Blue Cross fraud claims unfolded In January 2023, Blue Cross NC’s special investigations unit flagged C&FD and requested medical, operational and credentialing records for a random sample of 419 member claims, according to the lawsuit.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 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

Adjective

Monday in Philadelphia stays cool and unsettled, with the front stalled just south of the region and scattered rain chances, especially across southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware.

— Andrew Kozak, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
The scattered pieces of the former storm will likely drift over the Caribbean and soak Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Hispaniola with a few inches of rain, some of which will reach Florida.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of scattered

Verb

At the top of Sleeping Giant, there have been reported of a man dressed in all black wandering the grounds near where the castle is.

— Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
Any proton that wasn’t lucky enough to partner up probably remained single for millennia, and might even be wandering the universe alone today.

— Cara Giovanetti, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 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.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
He was convicted of four counts of war crimes including murder, torture, cruel treatment and arbitrary detention.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026