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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Timeline Storms will start to arrive Friday, with stray showers in isolated areas and maximum temperatures 5 to 10 degrees below normal, according to the forecast from the National Weather Service. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 The set of four fits standard plates and bowls, with enough room around the edges to catch stray crumbs and protect your tabletop. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026

Verb

Charlie Weasley is a minor character in the books and does not appear in the films, so the HBO series is straying from the movies regarding Ron Weasley’s older brother. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026 Matthew Stafford does not typically stray much from comments about sticking with his process. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray

Adjective

And that’s a random sample of years and all 32 teams involved.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Nov. 2026
Following the course of this ship right now is definitely random, but interesting.

— Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of random

Verb

Lewa is teeming with reticulated giraffe, black and white rhino, Grevy’s zebra, leopard, cheetah, and lion, while elephants regularly wander through Sirikoi’s backyard.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Nov. 2026
Ahead of Halloween, the farm can easily see more than a thousand people a day stop by to pick up a pumpkin or wander through their massive corn maze.

— Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of wander

Adjective

Federal prosecutors accuse Maduro and Flores of directing a campaign of political repression involving brutal interrogations, arbitrary detentions and the mistreatment of prisoners.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
On October 9, 2026, a federal district court ruled that the policy exceeds the Justice Department's authority, is arbitrary and capricious, and violates federal law.

— Eric McDaniel, NPR, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of arbitrary

Verb

Gouzer is confident that Nara’s auction record will eventually fall.

— Daniel Cassady for ARTnews, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026
Meanwhile, the Exporters Western Cape, a lobby group, told Ramaphosa before the decision that the province’s exports to the US had already fallen 41% with particularly steep declines in juice, grapes and citrus.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026