stray
verb (used without object)
to deviate from the direct course, leave the proper place, or go beyond the proper limits, especially without a fixed course or purpose.
straying
-
present participleof stray.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Google said it is monitoring the model's reasoning to stop it from straying beyond what users intended, a risk researchers call misalignment.
From Barron's ● Sep. 30, 2026
“Our library-based book club talked about it for a solid 90 minutes without straying from what the book itself had to offer its readers.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
The Treasury market has been quiet lately, with 10-year debt barely straying from a yield of 4.3% in April.
From Barron's ● Apr. 27, 2026
A lost wife, a straying man, a better life, a place to come to rest, a purpose.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 26, 2026
And what a story of romance and daring he could have told, without straying from the truth!
From "Tiger, Tiger" by Lynne Reid Banks
