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

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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
And later, Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages hit a solo blast to straightaway center. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2026 Raschi threw, Miñoso swung and the ball took off to straightaway center, disappearing over the old bullpen fence, 415 feet away. — Marianne Mather, Chicago Tribune, 1 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
  • If a coyote behaves aggressively or poses an immediate threat to people, move to a safe location and call 911.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • There was an immediate shift from Watts after the manic episode, McCollough’s friends say.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of immediate
Adjective
  • Auriga effectively unrolled that circular motor, creating a linear system capable of accelerating an object along a track.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The levels are mostly linear, with players going from Point A to Point B, but the team occasionally changes it up with more free-form stages in which players have tasks to perform or must hit a scoring threshold within a time limit.
    — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of linear
Adverb
  • Hansen’s attorney, who is with the Post-Conviction Justice Project at University of Southern California Gould School of Law, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday afternoon.
    — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Dehqani said reconstruction work began immediately after the refinery was hit during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in 2025.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of immediately
Adjective
  • The effects feel nearly instantaneous thanks to the addition of cica, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter, which results in a calm, cooling sensation.
    — Mary Honkus, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Transitions between multiple devices were practically instantaneous in my testing, even when one was using LDAC and the other LC3.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of instantaneous
Adjective
  • Unveiled amid the high-octane glamour and pristine lawns of the Monterey Car Week in California, the Lucid Gravity GT-S is a direct assault on the most lucrative auto segment in North America.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike countries like Morocco, Egypt and China, Kenya provides limited direct subsidies to cushion electricity prices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of direct
Adverb
  • When concerns were raised about this contract, the Town took them seriously, reviewed the matter carefully, and acted promptly based on the findings.
    — Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • As such, William promptly invaded, with Pope Alexander II on his side.
    — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of promptly
Adjective
  • This photo taken on April 21, 2025 shows a customer walking past a display of instant noodles at a branch of Japanese discount retailer Don Quijote, also known overseas as Don Don Donki, in the Shibuya district of central Tokyo.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Set a realistic response time instead of snapping into instant availability.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of instant
Adjective
  • Grande, for one, opted for an off-white and oversized fuzzy Amomento cardigan, worn over straight-leg blue jeans with white Sandy Liang patent ballet pumps and red socks.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Auxerre gave away two penalties and also played most of the match with 10 men after defender Christ Makosso was shown a straight red card for a foul on Abadallah Sima in the 35th minute.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 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 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on straightaway

Nglish: Translation of straightaway for Spanish Speakers

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