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
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
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Recent Examples of stray
Simone Jasper, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2025
The document was full of real-life examples that had helped employers distinguish a stray joke from a pattern of racial bullying, or judge when private social-media posts crossed a line.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2025
Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025
In praise of Apostolos As Senior Day approached, Hurley’s thoughts strayed to Apostolos Roumoglou, the player from Greece who transferred after last season to find more playing time.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stray
Adjective
Upon learning about the stray pups in late January, the farm’s owner and operator stepped into action.
—Simone Jasper, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2025
The document was full of real-life examples that had helped employers distinguish a stray joke from a pattern of racial bullying, or judge when private social-media posts crossed a line.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
As far as Rich, 71, is concerned, Brock hasn't strayed far from his always complicated, but loving, blended family.
—Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025
In praise of Apostolos As Senior Day approached, Hurley’s thoughts strayed to Apostolos Roumoglou, the player from Greece who transferred after last season to find more playing time.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray
Adjective
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Choosing a random cabin location Choose your cabin location with careful consideration and a strategic approach.—
Kaitlyn McInnis,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
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Cherry rues the random nature of these instances of trauma, which explode only to be forgotten five minutes later, subsumed beneath the next crisis.—
Sam Worley,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The idea behind militarizing the buffer zone is that any apprehensions by service members would be treated similarly to trespassing on a military base, with troops holding migrants until law enforcement arrives.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
19 Mar. 2025
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Patrol officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Asylum Street Tuesday on a report of a person trespassing on the property and refusing to leave, according to Lt. Aaron Boisvert of the Hartford Police Department.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Elderly residents wandered off without supervision, medications weren’t properly administered, and emergency pull cords in some bedrooms didn’t work, the state alleged.—
Emily Alpert Reyes,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Mar. 2025
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Visitors can wander over 50 acres of natural beauty, including an interactive area for children, a wetland garden featuring native species, and a dedicated space housing over 1,500 roses.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The user is urged to visit a website and pay an arbitrary toll amount to avoid a $50 fine.—
Dan Avery,
CNBC,
17 Mar. 2025
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His morning rants and arbitrary policies only harm the economy.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Still, relative humidity values are expected to fall below 25 percent outside of the mountains and around 25 percent in the mountain valleys, with higher values in the higher elevations.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Mar. 2025
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Amid controversy and lukewarm reviews, the opening weekend haul falls short of Tim Burton’s Dumbo, which opened to $45 million in 2019.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
23 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stray. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
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