Synonyms for

Stray

Verb / streɪ / Another word for stray — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to wander away from a place or person, without intending to return

Synonyms & similar words

err swan rove vagabond divagate tramp wander roam digress roll range ramble cast drift isolated wander roam drift deviate veer diverge depart digress straggle ramble meander err disobey separate split

Synonyms by register

Formal

deviate wander err digress

Informal

go off drift get lost wander off

Literary

rove meander ramble

Antonyms

connected attached belonging domesticated tethered anchored regular

Common collocations

  • stray animal
  • stray bullet
  • stray thought
  • stray cat
  • stray dog
  • stray from the path
  • stray from the topic

Word family

noun stray
verb stray
adjective stray

Usage note

As a verb, 'stray' often implies a departure from a norm, path, or intention. As an adjective, it typically describes something lost or without a home, especially animals.

Example sentences

  1. The dog strayed from his owner's side and got lost in the woods.
  2. The sheep strayed away from the flock and was found by a farmer.
  3. The ball strayed into the neighbor's yard and we had to go get it.
  4. The hiker strayed from the trail and got lost in the mountains.
  5. The bird strayed off course during migration and ended up in a different country.

Quotes

  • All men should strive to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why. - James Thurber
  • The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness. - John Muir
  • Not all those who wander are lost. - J.R.R. Tolkien

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