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
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
While lying on a beach in Mexico with the painter Ed Ruscha, she was grazed by a stray bullet on the thigh.
—Nathan Taylor Pemberton, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Creating a carbon copy of the original could attract criticism for being lazy and superfluous whereas straying too far from the source material could alienate fans.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stray
Adjective
The stray dog had ticks, fleas, worms and open wounds.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
While lying on a beach in Mexico with the painter Ed Ruscha, she was grazed by a stray bullet on the thigh.
—Nathan Taylor Pemberton, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
While indoor cats can live into their early twenties, stray cats have a much shorter life span.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Creating a carbon copy of the original could attract criticism for being lazy and superfluous whereas straying too far from the source material could alienate fans.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stray
Adjective
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Nicki Minaj was reportedly the target of a random swatting attack by someone who told police there had been a shooting at her Hidden Hills home.—
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,
Billboard,
10 Apr. 2025
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As such, The Studio is shrill and talky, its chaotic scenes sparked by random performers like Charlize Theron, Zac Efron, Olivia Wilde and Sarah Polley, all of whom want something from Remick.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Last year, Wheeler served two days in Vernon County jail on six trespassing convictions from 2020, 2022 and 2023.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2025
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Reality check: Municipalities could still cite trespassing laws as the reason for removal, but IDHR and advocates say removal and fines just for being unhoused is a violation.—
Carrie Shepherd,
Axios,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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On Monday night, a glittering crowd stepped out to celebrate the store’s opening, before heading over to Palazzo Serbelloni to wander through its halls and take in the homewares collection.—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
10 Apr. 2025
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Nestled along the sandy shores of Siloso Beach, the resort is adorned in tropical greenery, while peacocks wander freely across the gardens, hornbills perch in the frangipani trees and dinosaur-like monitor lizards sunbathe by breakfast tables.—
Nicole Trilivas,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The responses, submitted by a fairly arbitrary group of women, range from profound to half-hearted.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
9 Apr. 2025
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Too many leaders seek to lead down by being authoritative, by pushing dictates on people and relentlessly driving forward toward arbitrary goals and deadlines.—
Andrew Deutscher,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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However, that fight fell apart in early March, when a hand injury forced Whyte from the card.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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Over the last 25 years, the S&P 500 has fallen 4% in a single day 38 times, according to Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for brokerage firm LPL Financial.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stray. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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