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
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
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Recent Examples of stray
Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 3 June 2025
Alcaraz duly escaped the adversity, but not without a time violation and a funny moment of tension when someone in the crowd returned a stray ball between the Spaniard’s first and second serves.
—James Hansen, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Linda J. Bilmes, The Conversation, 25 June 2025
Others stray into the territory of a more lemon-adjacent yellow, or else one cut through with the goldenness of turmeric.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stray
Adjective
Expanding the song’s world of stray thoughts and heartbreak totems while expertly navigating the story’s twists and turns, Swift turned a for-the-fans album cut into an authoritative epic.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 3 June 2025
Alcaraz duly escaped the adversity, but not without a time violation and a funny moment of tension when someone in the crowd returned a stray ball between the Spaniard’s first and second serves.
—James Hansen, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Verb
And the reconciliation process has strayed from its original purpose as a mechanism to promote sound fiscal policy.
—Linda J. Bilmes, The Conversation, 25 June 2025
Others stray into the territory of a more lemon-adjacent yellow, or else one cut through with the goldenness of turmeric.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray
Adjective
-
Din Djarin, Boba Fett, and a random stormtrooper are all effectively evoked by these simple outfits.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
4 July 2025
-
The prime time talent show is once again ruining our viewing of acts by constantly cutting in reaction shots of the audience, hosts and random people.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 July 2025
Verb
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The teen was with a group of other young people who were trespassing on the Framingham/Worcester Line when the crash occurred, transit police told MassLive.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
27 June 2025
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This reclassification grants the Army's U.S. Northern Command expanded authority to enforce immigration laws, including the power to search and temporarily detain those who trespass in the new military zone.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
Verb
-
Read a book, breathe deeply or just let your mind wander.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 July 2025
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Partygoers wandered the streets, drinks in hand, wearing Scrim costumes made from furry onesies.—
David W. Brown,
New Yorker,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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These seemingly arbitrary small items are essentially sweeteners to win over lawmakers who might quibble with the broader thrust of the legislation.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
4 July 2025
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Regardless, the court continues to find that the government's actions were arbitrary and capricious, in part because the government never bothered to define the problems that would get a grant canceled.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
3 July 2025
Verb
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When her moment came to walk the red carpet three days later, a radiant Cassie held hands with Combs, her hair styled to fall just over her injured eyebrow and eye.—
Laura Trujillo,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
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Season two saw Valerie cast in an HBO project about the sitcom writer who made her life hell in season one, earning widespread acclaim professionally even as her personal life was falling apart.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stray. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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