straightaway 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstrāt-ə-ˌwā How to pronounce straightaway (audio)
Definition of straightawaynext
1
as in immediate
done or occurring without any noticeable lapse in time her first novel was a straightaway success

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in linear
free from irregularities or digressions in course the doomed ship was headed on a straightaway course in the path of the iceberg

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

straightaway

2 of 2

adverb

ˌstrāt-ə-ˈwā How to pronounce straightaway (audio)
as in immediately
without delay he got to the hospital, and straightaway he was admitted and given intravenous fluids

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of straightaway
Adjective
Roman Martin answered Johnson with a deep shot to straightaway center field, tying the score at 1-1. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 29 May 2026 And later, Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages hit a solo blast to straightaway center. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2026
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 See All Example Sentences for straightaway
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightaway
  1. immediate
  2. linear
  3. immediately
  4. instantaneous
  5. direct
  6. promptly
  7. instant
  8. straight
Adjective
  • There was no immediate word of damage in Qatar, while Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said all incoming fire from Iran had been intercepted.
    — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • There was no immediate response to the Iranian accusations from the Pentagon.
    — Courtney Kube, NBC news, 9 July 2026
Definition of immediate
Adjective
  • The more Lal describes Lucero this way, the more everything non-linear about its development makes sense — and Lal himself starts to look less like an accidental developer and more like someone who always belonged here in the first place.
    — Peter Lane Taylor, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • That’s a linear park that Hialeah wants to create on the narrow strip of land that runs for nearly a mile under the county’s Metrorail tracks between Fourth Avenue and the Hialeah Tri-Rail Station.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
Definition of linear
Adverb
  • Trump weighs a return to war with Iran Sit’s attorney, Kate Corrigan, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday afternoon.
    — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 11 July 2026
  • The Oregon attorney general’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 July 2026
Definition of immediately
Adjective
  • The rise of Nashville Severe Weather is a modern case study in multiple areas — a shifting tornado alley, a changing climate, the prevalence of social media and the value of instantaneous, hyperlocal information that can save the day or save lives.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026
  • Customer support needs to be quick, easy and engaging, but email and phone support aren’t always instantaneous.
    — Anthony Savino, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of instantaneous
Adjective
  • Not all applications are suitable for a direct switch, but the price gap, measured as the copper-to-aluminum price ratio, has blown out to one of the highest on record.
    — Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Muse Image will be available for consumers to access for free via the Meta AI app and site, WhatsApp direct messages and Instagram Stories.
    — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Definition of direct
Adverb
  • If anyone shows signs of heat illness, promptly move them to a cool, shaded area.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
  • Consumers can help protect themselves from skimming by inspecting card readers before use, covering the keypad when entering a PIN, monitoring account activity regularly, and promptly reporting suspicious transactions to their financial institution.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
Definition of promptly
Adjective
  • That one phrase tries to create an instant emotional connection.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • The recipe leans on instant pudding mix and strawberry gelatin to keep things extra effortless.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
Definition of instant
Adjective
  • Yet France produced nearly 100 World Cup players who played for 13 countries this summer, and its team reached the semifinals for a third straight tournament.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • With a Triple-A pitcher called up for a spot start and a utilityman smacking an early two-run homer, the Boston Red Sox, having now won eight straight games, keep winning with an unlikely formula.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of straight

Browse Nearby Words

straight arrows
straightaway
straightbred
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Cite this Entry

“Straightaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightaway. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on straightaway

Nglish: Translation of straightaway for Spanish Speakers

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