straightaway

1 of 3

adverb

straight·​away ˌstrāt-ə-ˈwā 

: without hesitation or delay

straightaway

2 of 3

adjective

straight·​away ˈstrāt-ə-ˌwā 

1

: proceeding in a straight line : continuous in direction

2

: immediate

straightaway

3 of 3

noun

straight·​away ˈstrā-tə-ˌwā 

: a straight course: such as

a

: the straight part of a closed racecourse : stretch

b

: a straight and unimpeded stretch of road or way

Synonyms of straightaway

Adverb

• immediately
• promptly
• instantly
• now
• directly
• right

Adjective

• immediate
• instantaneous
• instant

Examples of straightaway in a Sentence

Adverb

He found the information straightaway.

he got to the hospital, and straightaway he was admitted and given intravenous fluids

Adjective

her first novel was a straightaway success

the doomed ship was headed on a straightaway course in the path of the iceberg

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Money was tight and, in order to bank it straightaway, Jane Austen had no option but to discount it at a loss, as details on the back show. —Literary Hub, 4 Aug. 2025

Once initiated, though, Ultra fired up straightaway every time. —Michael Teo Van Runkle, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2025

Adjective

Boston’s backup center hit a straightaway 3-pointer, then drew a charge on the ensuing possession. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 8 Jan. 2026

Freeman connected off left-hander Brendon Little, sending a 406-foot drive to straightaway center field to finally end a game that lasted 6 hours, 39 minutes, and matched the longest by innings in postseason history. —Beth Harris, Denver Post, 28 Oct. 2025

Noun

The Panthella indicates some formative design knowledge straightaway—a cult-favorite and bestseller for its unique, curved shape and bright color profiles. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 6 Jan. 2026

Its active rear wing, for example, remains fully retracted when on a straightaway, reducing drag and maximizing acceleration. —Stephen Treffinger, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1534, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for straightaway

• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

straightaway

1 of 3 adjective

straight·​away ˈstrāt-ə-ˌwā 

1

: proceeding in a straight line : continuous in direction : straightforward

2

: immediate sense 4

made a straightaway reply

straightaway

2 of 3 noun

: the straight part of a racetrack : stretch

straightaway

3 of 3 adverb

straight·​away ˌstrāt-ə-ˈwā 

: without delay : immediately

found an answer straightaway