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
Relevance
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
Examples 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
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2024
Two years ago, just before Christmas, Comeau had spotted a Facebook post about stray kittens near a local Pizza Hut and tobacco store.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2024
Original director Danny Boyle has won Oscars, mounted an epic Olympics opening ceremony (London 2012) and strayed a bit from his playful economy.
—Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for stray 
Adjective
The threat of a stray red sock turning an entire load of white clothes pink is enough to make most people stick with the habit.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2024
Two years ago, just before Christmas, Comeau had spotted a Facebook post about stray kittens near a local Pizza Hut and tobacco store.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
Three ranking House Republicans wrote Blinken in July to accuse the GEC of straying from its statutory duty to counter propaganda and disinformation abroad.
—Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2024
Original director Danny Boyle has won Oscars, mounted an epic Olympics opening ceremony (London 2012) and strayed a bit from his playful economy.
—Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for stray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray
Adjective
-
Go and read random slave narratives and get their experience of the time.—
David Marchese,
New York Times,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Oh, the third mode is a combination of both – sets of airbags inflate and deflate in seemingly random order – which has been perhaps my favorite setting.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
People who have been trespassed from an area and continue to sleep could be arrested.—
Abe Aboraya,
Orlando Sentinel,
15 Jan. 2025
-
The nonprofit tried to stop homeless people from trespassing in the building during the past few months by covering doors and installing fencing.—
Summer Lin,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Only another party of two had wandered in during our meal.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Throughout the day, visitors can wander between stages with live music from Celtic rock bands, witness dance competitions, see border collie demonstrations and learn about Scottish heritage while exploring clans.—
Patrick Connolly,
Orlando Sentinel,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
To Danes and pretty much anyone else who makes plans, signs treaties, or creates long-term strategies using rational arguments, this way of making policy feels arbitrary, pointless, even surreal.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Proposals to provide striking workers with unemployment benefits and set arbitrary regulations for warehouse workers threaten Connecticut’s economic future.—
Frank Ricci,
National Review,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
However, as so often is the case, this reaffirmed American ideal fell short of reality.—
AJ Willingham,
CNN,
22 Jan. 2025
-
No snow was reported, so maybe a trace at best fell, Hinson said.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near stray
Cite this Entry
“Stray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stray. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share