straight arrow

noun

Definition of straight arrownext
as in wet blanket

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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 straight arrow There’s often some kind of hitch, but still, most agents are straight arrows who play by the book. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025 Purdy was such a straight arrow as a kid, his worst transgressions were playing doorbell ditch, Patchett said. — Julia Prodis Sulek, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2024 David, the straight arrow of the two, is played by Eisenberg in a baseball cap as a vintage Jesse character — earnest and uptight, with a compressed delivery that expresses his nervous nature, yet this is no millennial Woody Allen caricature. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Jan. 2024 Progress did not proceed in a straight arrow from bad times then to good times now. — Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 11 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for straight arrow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straight arrow
  1. wet blanket
  2. prude
Noun
  • Games still need to be played, but after having a wet blanket like Billy Napier as their head coach for four years, Florida fans are ready to welcome a psycho like Sumrall to The Swamp with open arms.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026
  • The extra layer of complexity and stagnation feels like a wet blanket being thrown over our summer plans.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 15 July 2026
Definition of wet blanket
Noun
  • Martha didn’t want to be a prude.
    — Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • In fact, the prudes among us might need hand fans.
    — Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Definition of prude

Browse Nearby Words

straight
straight arrow
straight arrows
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Cite this Entry

“Straight arrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straight%20arrow. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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