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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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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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of stray

Adjective

Besides studying Martian weather and observing a stray interstellar comet last year, Maven helped relay information from NASA’s Curiosity and Perseverance rovers on the surface. —

Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026 As the players practiced Monday, the fans cheered them on, vying to catch stray balls that headed toward the stands. —

Victoria Le, Oc Register, 8 June 2026

Verb

The Piano Man, who was born in the Bronx and raised on Long Island, hasn’t strayed too far from his New York roots. —

Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 4 June 2026 Stepner then threw to second to double off the runner, who had strayed too far off the bag. —

John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray

Adjective

An offshoot of the popular podcast that actor-comedians Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang have hosted since 2016, the award show aims to celebrate the year’s biggest pop culture moments and plays like a fever dream more dazzling and deliciously random than a late-night scroll session on TikTok.

— Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
These aren’t random acquisitions.

— Ivan Guzenko, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026