stray

To move away from the intended path or stop following the expected way of doing something.

• Do not stray from the path.
• The discussion strayed from the main topic.
• We had strayed off course in the fog.

How to use it: stray from something (The conversation strayed from our original question.)

Similar words: wander, deviate

Common phrases: stray from something, stray off course

To wander away from a group or beyond the area where you should stay.

• The sheep strayed beyond the fence.
• Do not stray too far from us.
• A child had strayed from the group.

How to use it: stray from someone/something (The calf strayed from the herd.)

Similar words: wander, roam

Common phrases: stray from someone, stray too far, stray beyond something

Wandering freely after becoming lost or having no home.

• A stray cat followed me.
• They rescue stray dogs.
• We found a stray sheep near the road.

Similar words: lost, homeless

Common phrases: stray cat, stray dog, stray animal

In a place where it does not belong or was not intended to be.

• She removed a stray hair.
• A stray comma changed the meaning.
• A stray bullet broke our window.

Similar words: misplaced, out of place

Common phrases: stray hair, stray comma, stray bullet

A pet or farm animal that is lost or has no home and wanders freely.

• We fed a stray.
• The shelter takes in strays.
• She adopted a stray she found outside.

Similar words: homeless animal

Common phrases: feed a stray, adopt a stray, take in strays