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
Roman Martin answered Johnson with a deep shot to straightaway center field, tying the score at 1-1. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 29 May 2026 And later, Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages hit a solo blast to straightaway center. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 16 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
  • The immediate focus is on joint development, testing, and demonstration.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Bystander videos and photos posted by on social media showed a man sitting on the ground with his hands behind his back, in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
    — Philip Marcelo, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of immediate
Adjective
  • In his current post, Cheeks oversees all linear Paramount networks, including CBS (entertainment, sports and news), MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026
  • There’s a smoother, more linear power delivery when pulling away.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of linear
Adverb
  • His office did not immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press regarding a possible snap election.
    — JOSEPH WILSON, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Reps for Bryan and Gillette stadium did not immediately return a request for comment.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of immediately
Adjective
  • And in the interior of a cell, decoherence should be basically instantaneous — quantumness shouldn’t survive long enough in such an environment to have any bearing on biology.
    — Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The standard 80% of financial advice—such as whether to invest or pay off debt, how much money to set aside for emergencies or if a purchase will interfere with a savings goal—becomes instantaneous, free and accessible to anybody with a smartphone.
    — Antoine Sallis, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of instantaneous
Adjective
  • Follert credits the monthly check-ins and the direct impact employees can have in shaping the company culture for its ranking in the top 10.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • And over the years, Jaguar’s boffins have actually learned a lot about how to design, build, and operate electric powertrains that are both powerful and efficient, and that work has direct benefits to road-going EVs.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of direct
Adverb
  • Contact the treating clinician promptly for worsening pain, spreading redness or warmth, pus-like drainage, fever, extensive blistering, eye symptoms, or a reaction substantially more severe than described.
    — Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The company encouraged employees to use Microsoft Teams, but while some replied promptly, others put their own work first.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of promptly
Adjective
  • On the beach, wireless call buttons for instant service are a welcome touch.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Overnight oats, Greek yogurt bowls, mug omelets and instant oatmeal all work with only a mini fridge and microwave.
    — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of instant
Adjective
  • Super El Niño impact Inflation in India has been rising for 10 straight months, crossing the central bank's medium-term target of 4% in August, even as economic growth has been resilient so far.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The three-stage rocket failed during its debut mission in October 2021 but is now riding a streak of four straight successes.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 7 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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