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

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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
On a separate note, art, fertility and hobbies will bring you so much joy — so focus on these areas rather than just diving straightaway into work. — Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026 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 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
  • McDermott’s successor, Joe Brady, takes on an immediate Super Bowl mandate for a franchise that’s been so close so often.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • My feeling was that a monologue could seem immediate, more enjoyable and readable than a straightforward play with multiple characters, additional stage directions, etc.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of immediate
Adjective
  • Connecting all the spaces are fluid, linear patterns on rugs, cushions, notebooks, and curtains, all by design company Backhausen, a key player in the Wiener Jugendstil (that’s Art Nouveau to you) movement of the early 20th century.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
  • With her new role, Summers-Burke will oversee all creative content for BET’s linear network while continuing to lead BET Studios.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of linear
Adverb
  • Attorney Matthew Farley urged the judge to dismiss the case and immediately release his client.
    — ERIC TUCKER, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
  • The city did not immediately respond to ABC News' request on potential toxins first responders were exposed to in the aftermath or allegations by agencies at the time that the air was safe.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of immediately
Adjective
  • During the test, the laser did not appear as a long continuous light but rather an invisible almost instantaneous heat beam that hit precise points on the drone.
    — Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The impression from their new arrival was instantaneous, and helped Everton to a draw that feels worth far more than a solitary point against a middling United side.
    — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of instantaneous
Adjective
  • Such direct communication with fans is now taking place on a semi-regular basis.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • What’s in the demo Children of Infinity is a space adventure RPG, just like The Ur-Quan Masters (and its direct spiritual predecessors, Starflight and Starflight 2).
    — Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of direct
Adverb
  • Preventing poisonings and seeking help promptly if they are suspected are key to protecting children.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of heading back to Tallahassee to then promptly drive back down, FAMU has stayed in the Miami area between games.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of promptly
Adjective
  • The real impact comes from pairing real-time money movement with instant reconciliation.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In another study, mixing in lentils with rice or instant potatoes resulted in lower blood sugar than eating the rice or potatoes alone.
    — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of instant
Adjective
  • The latter, who defeated Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in straight sets Saturday, is in pole position to take over from Aryna Sabalenka, but must reach the semifinals.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Ohtani has missed two straight games for the first time this season and hasn’t pitched since July, as the team prioritizes rest and a mental reset for their two-way star.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 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 12 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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