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
-
The inspirations for the Love Connection parody were Miami Vice's Tubbs and Crockett, though Hall acknowledged her most immediate lookalike.—
Lex Goldstein,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
After Gustav in 2008, the US provided $100,000 in immediate emergency assistance to non-governmental organizations working in humanitarian relief in Cuba.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In stark contrast to CNN+ or the Max programming, All Access delivers 16 hours of the same live, linear feed of CNN paid watched by pay-TV subscribers.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
28 Oct. 2025
-
The growing divide doesn’t separate streaming and linear—in fact, those two distribution approaches increasingly mirror each other.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
27 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
The magnitude of the attack and the extent of its damage was not immediately known.—
Laura Sharman,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
-
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
-
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
-
However, not all studies agree that methane is a direct cause of constipation.—
Emmanuella Ogbonna,
Health,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Vinicius Jr also thrived in the Italian’s counter-attacking tactical setup, which was designed at least in part to suit his pace and direct running, and delivered the club’s two most recent Champions League trophies in 2022 and 2024.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Those experiencing symptoms from prescribed blood pressure medications should seek help from their doctor promptly.—
Lindsey DeSoto,
Health,
28 Oct. 2025
-
The leaders of France, Great Britain, and West Germany promptly sided with the United States.—
Time,
Time,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Reese Witherspoon, Naomi Watts, Jennifer Lawrence, Sienna Miller, and more stars have been wearing outerwear that adds an instant elegant touch to outfits (even sweatpants).—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
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Since joining from abroad in August, Triantis has provided an instant impact, while Fitz is still looking to gain traction.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Now, step with your left foot out to the left, still keeping both feet straight.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
31 Oct. 2025
-
After starting their league title defence with five straight wins, Arne Slot’s team have lost their last four.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straightaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightaway. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.
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