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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stray
Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 22 July 2025
According to Pet Circle's website, Waco residents can take stray dogs and cats to any local fire station to be scanned as part of the Fire House to Your House program.
—Erin Clack, People.com, 20 July 2025
Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Virgin occupies a headspace removed from the certainty of those desires but makes sure not to stray so far from the synth-pop pack.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stray
Adjective
There may have been a stray note here or there, but the breezy setting and joyful sound made by so many trumpets made any wobbles float by with the breeze.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 22 July 2025
According to Pet Circle's website, Waco residents can take stray dogs and cats to any local fire station to be scanned as part of the Fire House to Your House program.
—Erin Clack, People.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
What Happens Next Now, the bill returns to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson has warned the Senate not to stray far from what was already passed.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Virgin occupies a headspace removed from the certainty of those desires but makes sure not to stray so far from the synth-pop pack.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray
Adjective
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The entertainment space has shown us that, as random as couples may seem, the best thing is to expect the unexpected.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
29 July 2025
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The program tried to learn from every hand — even the bad hands that were doomed to fail — and ended up making mostly random moves.—
Andrew Montequin,
jsonline.com,
29 July 2025
Verb
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Sheriff Nettleton explained that in Dal las’ mind, the officers were trespassing in his domain. Dallas has been formally charged with murder.—
Jim Zumbo,
Outdoor Life,
17 July 2025
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Deputies had responded to a woman who said her ex-boyfriend — later identified as Rendon — had trespassed with a handgun into her house with her four children inside, sheriff’s officials said.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 July 2025
Verb
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Last year was the deadliest year recorded for children with autism who wandered, and nearly all in that record died from drowning, according to tracking from the association.—
Darcie Moran,
USA Today,
29 July 2025
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Each of the eight pet-friendly rooms has a different design, and guests can enjoy nearby restaurants and wander the surrounding Bellaire Court Historic District.—
Caroline Eubanks,
Travel + Leisure,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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The Florida court contrived a weird and arbitrary compromise, granting new sentencing hearings only to death row prisoners whose sentences were considered final after 2002, when the U.S. court issued a decision that was a precursor to Hurst’s.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 July 2025
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Ultimately, Bae acknowledges, these classifications are somewhat arbitrary.—
Cody Cottier,
Discover Magazine,
26 July 2025
Verb
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Then the tarp came out as rain that had been falling around Bristol much of Saturday turned heavy and delayed the start.—
Teresa M. Walker,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Aug. 2025
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Pair them with billowy blouses to close out the summer, then whip out your favorite chunky knit sweaters come fall for a stylish, boho look.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
3 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stray. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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