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
Chad Jennings, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Boston’s backup center hit a straightaway 3-pointer, then drew a charge on the ensuing possession.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Over breakfast on the day after the announcement was made, Venetia’s grandfather was reading the account of the new planet aloud from the paper and the young girl straightaway recommended the name Pluto, the ruler of the underworld.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for straightaway
Adjective
The outfield wall will come in eight to 10 feet starting in the outfield corners and tapering toward center field, where the wall will remain 410 feet from home plate (keeping Kauffman one of the deepest parks to straightaway center).
—Chad Jennings, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Boston’s backup center hit a straightaway 3-pointer, then drew a charge on the ensuing possession.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
Having a low-lift digital service or offer is a great way to reduce your expenses, start straightaway, gain traction quickly, and test the waters before committing to developing a product.
—Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Over breakfast on the day after the announcement was made, Venetia’s grandfather was reading the account of the new planet aloud from the paper and the young girl straightaway recommended the name Pluto, the ruler of the underworld.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for straightaway
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightaway
Adjective
-
When a fire alarm fails, a sprinkler system shuts down, or a fire marshal issues a violation notice, businesses often face immediate safety and compliance concerns.—
Matthew Kayser,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The response in her comments was immediate and effusive.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
People really appreciate not only the deeper cuts, but the songs that have a linear story.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
15 Mar. 2026
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While much of those streaming sales were non-sports commitments, the flow of ad dollars away from linear TV will accelerate as the primetime entertainment properties continue to sag under the weight of their cultural irrelevancy.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
13 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Authorities said to call 911 immediately.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Iraq’s General Company for Ports was not immediately available to comment when contacted by CNBC.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Musicians broadly have faced mechanical and digital competition for well over a century, first from the phonograph, then the radio, and later the instantaneous on-demand technologies that emerged with the internet and Spotify.—
Adam Ozimek,
The Atlantic,
11 Mar. 2026
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Jacquemus + Nike After instantaneous success in September 2025 with the Moon Shoe’s first relaunch, Jacquemus + Nike is back for round two with a campaign fronted by Solange.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
What was once a relatively direct connection between continents is becoming a patchwork of workarounds.—
Zach Levitt,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The consensus was that the most important thing was to avoid direct contact between the baby’s skin and the patch.—
Heather Grossmann,
Parents,
11 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
If anyone shows signs of heat illness, promptly move them to a cool, shaded area.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Residents can exchange phone numbers to report suspicious activity promptly or to coordinate help if the power goes out.—
Chuck Page,
Mercury News,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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To recreate the trend in real life, look for pieces with feather trim like this CeCe dress that adds instant drama to a simple silhouette.—
Casey DelBasso,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
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Over the course of combat, players will see their gun meter fill up, and when there’s enough firepower, REACH can fire at an enemy for an instant kill.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Bella Hadid followed suit, while also making appearances in the Italian city of design, styling a brown suede jacket with straight-leg denim and pointy boots, leaning into her now-infamous cowgirl-with-a-twist aesthetic.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
17 Mar. 2026
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Phoenix is expected to have five straight days of triple-digit temperatures this week -- only once before, in 1988, has the city recorded a 100-degree day in March, DePodwin said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Straightaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightaway. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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