STRAYING Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

straying

verb

present participle of stray

as in wandering

to commit an offense our straying son swears he's returned to the straight and narrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 straying Without straying too far into the weeds here, the big takeaway from Nielsen’s co-viewing upgrade is that the measurement will now be much more passive. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 19 Aug. 2026 The interception is the latest in a series of similar recurring incidents involving drones straying into Ukraine's neighboring countries' borders, which authorities have blamed on electronic interference as part of the war with Russia. — CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026 If straps are a nonnegotiable for you, this floral maxi dress has spaghetti straps that offer a bit more support without straying from Brunson’s A+ style. — Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 Some of those losses stemmed from carelessness, with his supreme confidence occasionally straying into casualness. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 22 July 2026 Although Martha’s thoughts are clouded by her desire to undo Anne’s condition, her section also abides by the terms of realism, never straying too far from what could be considered ordinary life. — Literary Hub, 17 July 2026 Hundreds of wild horses straying outside a swath of territory spanning California and Nevada are set to be rounded up starting Wednesday, July 8. — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 8 July 2026 About 50 yards below me a water fence is built out into the river to keep cattle from straying. — Ralph Tuttle, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2026 Over the decades the O’odham placed some barbed wire along the border to keep livestock from straying into the neighboring country, limiting the spread of maladies such as foot-and-mouth disease and hindering cattle thieves. — Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for straying

Verb

More Phillies players and staff joined them, wandering around the field and the house from the movie for the next 40 minutes.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
The young mountain lion was spotted wandering along Foothill Boulevard between San Dimas Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road in the morning, according to the San Dimas Sheriff’s Station.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of wandering

Verb

There can also be other charges associated with crossing the border that aren't directly related to trespassing onto military land.

— Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
People will be able to legally — and easily — access the property without trespassing.

— Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of trespassing

Verb

Peltz weighs deal for Wendy’s Nelson Peltz’s Trian Fund is assembling a group that could bid to take Wendy’s private as the chain faces declining sales, falling traffic, and restaurant closures.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026
The boring rosters, the passive-aggressive press conferences, the endless parade of mediocre seasons — cresting and falling with an inexplicable 2021 and 2026 — has been brutal to watch.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026