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
Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2025
Tulsa opened the sixth with a runner reaching base on an error before White’s blast to straightaway center more than 200 feet from home plate.
—Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 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
As Estoril’s long Parabolica Ayrton Senna opens up to the .61-mile straightaway, rapid upshifts at redline end at fifth gear and 184 mph before I’m forced to brake hard.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2025
Tulsa opened the sixth with a runner reaching base on an error before White’s blast to straightaway center more than 200 feet from home plate.
—Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 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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Henry's desire for a male heir -- and a new wife who might provide one -- was the immediate catalyst, but other factors were also at play, involving the English crown's seizure of church assets and the growth of Protestant ideas in England.—
Joshua McElwee,
USA Today,
23 Oct. 2025
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The proposal called for an immediate cease-fire and hostage exchange, Israeli security guarantees, the demilitarization of Gaza, and a new civilian governing authority.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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At several points in 2024, WBD shares slipped below $7 as the company’s massive debt load and linear TV exposure appeared to be insurmountable challenges.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
21 Oct. 2025
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Her brain cannot compute — because there’s something so linear about education.—
Nikki McCann Ramirez,
Rolling Stone,
21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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The magnitude of the attack and the extent of its damage was not immediately known.—
Laura Sharman,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
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The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Sea-Intelligence modeled the European import surge under different scenarios, ranging from an instantaneous switch back to the Suez by all shipping lines, to a more gradual phase-in over two, four or six weeks.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
24 Oct. 2025
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In this modern age of technology, complete with instantaneous ways to locate talent anywhere in the world, the Duke men’s basketball coach didn’t mine social media endlessly or scour websites in recruiting the player the Charlotte Hornets selected fourth overall in the NBA Draft in June.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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All statements reflect our direct experience and verified documentation.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Oct. 2025
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Get up to 35% off sitewide right now on direct-to-consumer furniture and home decor brand Burrow, maker of one of our best couches of 2022, the super modular Arch Nomad model.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
23 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Willow begins to whimper, and backs away from the door—but sits promptly down, still staring at it.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
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Trump’s Securities and Exchange Commission promptly put on hold a case against the crypto billionaire Justin Sun.—
Evan Hughes,
The Atlantic,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Wood obviously smashed it on opening weekend, scoring twice against Brentford, while Joao Pedro blanked, filling me with instant regret.—
Holly Shand,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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From chocolate brown for a subtle upgrade to neutrals, to burgundy and olive green for an instant pop of color, there’s a shade (or two…or eight) for every mood and itinerary.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The power play, the Wild’s saving grace in their first few games, is now in an 0-for-11 funk (The Devils have killed off 21 straight power plays).—
Joe Smith,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons has now missed two straight games due to what the club has described as a personal matter.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightaway. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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