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

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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 For readers already burned out on pumpkin spice, these releases offer a way to try something new without straying far from the coffee-shop menus that define the season. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 In an affidavit cited by the Dallas Morning News last month, Howard said Wirskye considered the agreement breached after Howard mentioned during opening statements that Anthony was in the chess club, straying beyond the events under the tent. — Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for straying

Verb

But when Fran discovers a magic tree after wandering into the woods, the trio experience a series of life-altering adventures.

— Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026
Times classical music critic Mark Swed was there to watch, along with many effusive supporters of music director Gianandrea Noseda’s now wandering orchestra.

— Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of wandering

Verb

According to a message that school officials sent to parents, the juveniles may have been trespassing on the campus.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of trespassing

Verb

In its place is a head of dark, longer hair parted down the middle, with loose curtain bangs falling across his forehead and framing his face.

— Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
Oil prices have extended recent losses in response to the statement, with international benchmark Brent crude falling below the $90 per barrel mark overnight.

— Mike Sheen,Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026