stray 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of straynext
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

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
In response to the growing array of security threats, Romania and Poland acquired the MEROPS system, which fires short counter-drones to take down incoming stray drones. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026 The story follows two sisters with vastly different personalities and a stray cat that unexpectedly enters their lives. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
But don’t expect Peter Millar to stray too far from its core and partner with rappers or avant-garde designers. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026 But the story straying from the typical clichés made the role stand out, Marsh says. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray
  1. random
  2. trespass
  3. scattered
  4. wander
  5. arbitrary
  6. fall
Adjective
  • At Aventura concerts, random concert goers are often brought to the stage to perform the Don Omar part.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Sign up for our weekly newsletter Proof Positive How does a coherent structure emerge from many small random occurrences?
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of random
Verb
  • Israel wages war on childhood because a Palestinian child at play is already trespassing upon the future Israel has reserved for itself.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The Tohono O’odham Nation said that even if construction were contained to the Roosevelt Reservation, driving onto tribal land to access the area still constitutes trespassing.
    — Mikella Schuettler, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of trespass
Adjective
  • Monday in Philadelphia stays cool and unsettled, with the front stalled just south of the region and scattered rain chances, especially across southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware.
    — Andrew Kozak, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The scattered pieces of the former storm will likely drift over the Caribbean and soak Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Hispaniola with a few inches of rain, some of which will reach Florida.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of scattered
Verb
  • The newfangled internet granted children almost unbridled freedom — and the ability to wander far afield, digitally at least, of where their parents could protect them from harm.
    — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Lodgings are spread out between double-sized bunk beds and a pull-out sofa, but don’t let your mind wander to sleepaway camp territory.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of wander
Adjective
  • Its rules about transfers and conference membership seem arbitrary and deferential to the Southeastern and Big Ten conferences, college football's most influential.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Rights and media freedom groups have separately warned of police violence, arbitrary detentions, unauthorized surveillance and threats against journalists.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of arbitrary
Verb
  • Court dances fell out of fashion as monarchs fell from power.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Odds of a Fed hike at its October meeting fell further, with traders now pricing in a hold, per the CME Group’s FedWatch tool.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of fall

Browse Nearby Words

straws in the wind
stray
strayed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stray. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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