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
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
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Recent Examples of stray
Simone Jasper, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2025
In contrast, of the 964 stray pets that had microchips, 469 — or 49% — were returned to their owners.
—Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2025
Mina Self Oversized Plaid Blazer A plaid blazer is a fall classic that feels fresh without straying too far from timeless.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stray
Adjective
At the time, she was found as a stray puppy and matched with an owner.
—Simone Jasper, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2025
In contrast, of the 964 stray pets that had microchips, 469 — or 49% — were returned to their owners.
—Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
Compare that to sweet, handsome Greg, who has never strayed from his anti-Vought ideals and who has never been cruel to Emma.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2025
Mina Self Oversized Plaid Blazer A plaid blazer is a fall classic that feels fresh without straying too far from timeless.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray
Adjective
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Legalized betting has certain security advantages in that unusual betting patterns — such as large bets being placed on a random player’s performance — can be immediately flagged.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
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Still, a player ascending from top-15 or top-10-ish status in the league to a legit MVP candidate is arguably an even more difficult, more challenging and vertiginous jump than making the leap from random scrub to solid starter.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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On the night of June 2, 2023, Lorincz called the police, claiming that the neighborhood kids were trespassing and terrorizing her.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Oct. 2025
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Lorincz, who is white, hated loud noise, and called police and first responders multiple times over the years claiming the children were trespassing, bothersome, threatening, and a nuisance.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The core loop spans 18 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain, winding from Colchuck Lake’s turquoise waters to the Upper Enchantment Basin’s moonscape of polished granite and scattered tarns.—
Jacqueline Kehoe,
AFAR Media,
15 Oct. 2025
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Michigan residents are in for another seasonable week, with cooler temperatures and scattered rain, according to the National Weather Service.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The latest offering – the Nomads – is designed for folks who like to wander, and can be had with three batteries.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
22 Oct. 2025
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Others let their curiosity get the best of them and wander out into the world through a new hole in the fence.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Several lawsuits have already been filed challenging the fee and selection changes, with universities, labor groups, and business organizations arguing that the administration exceeded its authority and that the new rules are arbitrary.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
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Not every such deprivation becomes a literal matter of life and death as in the play, but making use of such scenarios enables Shakespeare to highlight more effectively the danger of arbitrary action.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Grandma's fall inspires middle schooler's invention Kevin said his grandmother, who lives with his family, fell at home about five years ago.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
26 Oct. 2025
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The Phillies clearly have work to do this offseason after falling short in the NLCS, but restoring the relationship with Harper and emphasizing how false the rumors are needs to be a top priority.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stray. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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