1
as in immediate
done or occurring without any noticeable lapse in time
her first novel was a straightaway success
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
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Recent Examples of straightaway
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
In what was a tie score at Petco Park, on a day first place in the National League West was up for grabs, Hernández delivered the decisive blow in the Dodgers’ 5-2 win over the Padres, belting a three-run home run to straightaway center that sent the club a pivotal series victory.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
My ideal scenario starts with going into a used bookstore and finding something wonderful by pure serendipity, then taking it off somewhere to start reading it straightaway.
—New York Times, 30 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for straightaway
Adjective
After a lead-off walk a single and a fielder’s choice grounder put the Phillies up 1-0 in the second inning, Waldron walked two more with two outs in the third before Jackson Merrill’s leaping catch above the wall on a drive to straightaway center field by Max Kepler saved three runs.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
In what was a tie score at Petco Park, on a day first place in the National League West was up for grabs, Hernández delivered the decisive blow in the Dodgers’ 5-2 win over the Padres, belting a three-run home run to straightaway center that sent the club a pivotal series victory.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Adverb
Getting to work straightaway, the kids built a snowman in the yard, which looked like your typical Frosty with twigs for arms and a carrot nose.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
My ideal scenario starts with going into a used bookstore and finding something wonderful by pure serendipity, then taking it off somewhere to start reading it straightaway.
—New York Times, 30 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for straightaway
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightaway
Adjective
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Roberson stuck her full-twisting double layout dismount without a flicker and to an immediate smile.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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As a result of the incident, one of the power lines fell into the water, prompting an evacuation of the immediate area as a precautionary measure, said Thompson.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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At present, the ratio is more in keeping with a 90/10 split in favor of linear TV.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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City’s attack became more linear, often seeking Haaland early or recycling possession to reset the build-up.—
Sukhman Singh,
New York Times,
15 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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Restaurants with more than 30 demerits are required to fix the worst problems immediately and remedy the rest within 48 hours.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Aug. 2025
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According to police, the child was immediately transported by ambulance to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford where they were listed in stable condition after receiving stitches for head scalp wounds.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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What would The Canterbury Tales be if the pilgrimage from the Tabard Inn to the Shrine of Thomas Becket were instantaneous?—
Emil Steiner,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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For one thing, events such as the Locarno fest’s Aug. 8 presentation of its Leopard Club career achievement award to Emma Thompson, draw far more coverage and generate more buzz in the age of instantaneous online media.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Donyell Malen has been direct and emphatic in his finishing.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
15 Aug. 2025
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To survive, many walk a tightrope: confident, but not too confident; straightforward, but not too direct; passionate, but not too emotional.—
Yann Dang,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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On the second play, Stidham rolled out and found Engram on a drag — and the free-agent tight end promptly went galloping down the right sideline for 58 yards.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
16 Aug. 2025
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Last Tuesday, reliever Brock Stewart, their lone bullpen acquisition at the trade deadline, recorded a hold with one scoreless inning against the Blue Jays and promptly went on the IL with shoulder inflammation.—
Bill Madden,
New York Daily News,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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This compact device fits on my keychain and offers instant peace of mind.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
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Cho also swears by this milky toner for instant dewy hydration.—
Sarah Y. Wu,
Glamour,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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After playing seven games against the Washington Nationals and Chicago White Sox, the Yankees will run into their biggest test with nine straight games against Astros, Blue Jays and Tigers.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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More Getty Images In a dramatic final round, Scheffler swung a four-shot deficit to overtake Scotland's Robert MacIntyre, who had led the field for three straight days.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightaway. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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