STRAYS Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

strays

verb

present tense third-person singular of stray

as in wanders

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

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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 strays Eyes glaze over when the subject strays too far from Memeworld. — Nick H. Penniman, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026 Princess Anne’s red lips The princess rarely strays from her beauty comfort zone. — Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 20 June 2026 Like Manuel, the low-key manager rarely strays from the norm during his press briefings, stating the obvious and avoiding controversy. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 The album never strays from its examination of this couple. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 June 2026 Andersen rarely strays from the blue paint and will even stay midway through his crease on many dangerous looks. — Jesse Granger, New York Times, 9 June 2026 The second way this strays from a Daiquiri is in its heavy dose of Angostura Bitters, which adds tons of texture and the flavors of baking spice. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 6 June 2026 Internet commenters and auto critics responded negatively, saying the Luce strays from the brand’s usual aesthetic. — Alexa St. John, Fortune, 27 May 2026 The distributor plans a moderate national expansion to about 375 screens (exact number still TBD) next week to let world of mouth percolate for the popular TIFF-premiering heist thriller by Daniel Roher about a piano tuner (up-and-comer Leo Woodall) who strays into safecracking. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 24 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for strays

Verb

As Odysseus wanders from place to place, discovering the foreign customs and attitudes of each one, the story explores the concept of home, asking what kind of civilization is appropriate for an authentic human being.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
Zidane wanders into a pocket of unmarked space to meet an inswinging Emmanuel Petit corner and head powerfully in at the near post to give France the lead.

— Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Definition of wanders

Verb

This unique trend sees AI adoption rise while trust falls, fueling widespread demand for accountability and human oversight.

— Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
As several experts have told CNN, when a drug trafficking leader falls, there are always many others available to succeed him, so the criminal organization – at least for now – remains active.

— Sol Amaya, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of falls

Verb

John DeWitt, the four-star general who oversaw the internment program, in particular, seems to be a forerunner to some of America's worst errors, paranoia, sins.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 1 Dec. 2025
God’s likeness, which is our true, spiritual identity, never sins and is never punished.

— Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Feb. 2025