STRAY Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

stray 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of stray

as in random

lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern stray sightings of UFO's, none of which have been rigorously analyzed by scientists

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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

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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

Adjective

Instead of projecting random stars, the Pococo Galaxy Projector uses projection discs to fill the room with gorgeous, sharp images of planets, galaxies and much more.

— Chris McMullen, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026
After posting a picture on a random rock in the Turkish highlands on Instagram, Salah has transformed the spot into a tourist attraction, with droves of fans making the pilgrimage.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 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

On the price front, China's residential prices have already fallen by 22% since a 2021 peak, compared with a 67% drop in Japan's after a far greater run-up in prices, the S&P report said.

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Insider buying fell 18% to 1,290 buyers, down from 1,580 in the second quarter.

— Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026