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
Examples Sentences
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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
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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
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Go and read random slave narratives and get their experience of the time.David Marchese, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
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However, while development on the property continued, the houseless continued to trespass on the Hope Street structure.Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 27 Dec. 2024
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Mortimer was charged in Palm Beach, Florida, in April 2016 with trespassing the home of ex-boyfriend Nico Fanjul, son of sugar baron Alex Fanjul.Diane J. Cho, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
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For another onsite dining option, wander to Madeline’s high-end Timber Room for tater tots covered with caviar, Alpine fondue, wagyu strip loin and a 32-ounce bison tomahawk steak.Linnea Covington, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
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That first night back, my friends and I wandered through our neighborhood to see the damage Katrina had left behind and which of our neighbors had returned.Edward Buckles Jr., TIME, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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On paper, the movie is a very American epic—the rise and fall of a master builder, told as extravagantly as possible on 70-millimeter VistaVision, a largely obsolete film format that was predominantly used in the 1950s and ’60s.David Sims, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
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This is a negligible amount compared with the more than 3.5 inches that fall during that period in an average year.Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near stray
Cite this Entry
“Stray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stray. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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