stray crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "stray" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution.
Solutions for "stray crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ERR: To deviate from the correct path or standard; to make a mistake, often implying wandering off course mentally or physically.
BUM: Can be clued as 'stray' when referring to a homeless person who wanders, or to wander aimlessly as a verb.
GAD: To move around aimlessly or idly, often in pursuit of pleasure or novelty.
4 Letters
ROAM: To wander about without any definite aim or destination; to travel or move aimlessly.
LOST: Can be a result of straying, often used as 'going astray' or 'being lost' in terms of direction.
5 Letters
DRIFT: To be carried along by currents of air or water; to move aimlessly from one place or state to another.
LOUSE: While less common for 'stray,' it can be clued as 'stray insect' or 'pesky stray,' playing on the noun form of stray.
6 Letters
WANDER: To move about without a fixed course, aim, or goal; to ramble or stroll idly.
VEERED: Past tense of veer, meaning to change direction suddenly, which can imply straying from a previous path.
8 Letters
GOASTRAY: To deviate from the right course or principle; to become lost or to wander off.
More About "stray crossword clue"
The clue "stray" is a versatile one in crosswords, as it can refer to several concepts, making it a favorite for setters. At its core, "stray" implies a deviation from a planned course, a loss of direction, or something isolated and out of place. This word can be used as a verb (to wander off), an adjective (a stray bullet, a stray hair), or a noun (a stray animal, a vagrant).
When you encounter "stray" in a crossword, it's crucial to consider the surrounding words and the specific phrasing of the clue. Is it asking for an action (like ROAM or WANDER), a state of being (like LOST), or perhaps a specific type of 'stray' item? The context provided by other clues and the number of letters in the answer box are your best guides. Many synonyms for 'wander' or 'err' are common solutions, but don't forget less obvious connections like 'bum' or 'gad' if the letter count fits.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is "stray" being used as a verb, noun, or adjective? This can significantly narrow down potential answers. For example, 'to stray' points to verbs like ERR or WANDER, while 'a stray' might suggest BUM or a similar noun.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Crosswords often rely on synonyms. Think about words that mean 'to wander,' 'to be lost,' 'to deviate,' or even antonyms if the clue uses a negative construction (e.g., "not stray").
- Check Surrounding Clues: Letters from intersecting words are invaluable. They can confirm a partial answer or eliminate incorrect ones, helping you deduce the exact word, especially when multiple options for "stray" exist for the same letter count.
- Practice Common Crossword Tropes: Many setters use similar patterns for common words. The more you solve, the more you'll recognize the typical ways a word like "stray" is clued across different puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'stray' commonly mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'stray' often refers to synonyms for wandering, deviating, or being lost. Common answers include ERR, ROAM, WANDER, DRIFT, and GAD. It can also refer to a lost animal or an isolated occurrence.
How can I figure out the letter count for 'stray' answers?
The letter count is given by the grid, indicating how many squares the answer occupies. For example, if 'stray' leads to a 4-letter solution, you might look for words like ROAM or STRAY (as in 'a stray thought'). Always cross-reference with intersecting words to confirm.
Are there any common misinterpretations of 'stray' in crosswords?
One common misinterpretation is only thinking of 'stray' as a noun (e.g., a stray dog) when it's often clued as a verb (to wander) or an adjective (random, isolated). Always consider its various parts of speech to broaden your answer possibilities.