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

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

Shoes are way too clunky and be-socked feet on a bus are just asking to encounter a plug that’s strayed from a bunk while going round a corner. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026 Is there room anymore for movies like his, that stray over the line? — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray

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

Rights groups have raised concerns about the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers in Tunisia since the EU agreement, including reports of collective expulsions, racial violence, arbitrary detention and abuses against Black migrants.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
This way, statistical confidence gets flagged earlier, so decisions don't wait on an arbitrary deadline, and underperforming variants get phased out automatically instead of running to completion for no reason.

— Karan Sharma, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of arbitrary

Verb

The continent's sweltering summer has meanwhile boosted demand for air conditioning and other energy-hungry appliances at a time when demand for gas, widely used for Europe's heating and cooking needs, naturally falls.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
The Oscar winner paired a leopard-print Givenchy fall 2026 dress and the fashion house’s modern take on T-strap high heels.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026