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
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
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
Literary Hub,
4 Aug. 2025
Once initiated, though, Ultra fired up straightaway every time.
—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
ArsTechnica,
17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
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
Once initiated, though, Ultra fired up straightaway every time.
—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
ArsTechnica,
17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for straightaway
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straightaway
Adjective
-
The report's authors said the case highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation after any direct contact with a bat, even if there is no visible bite or scratch.
-
The tang of the sauce was eye-widening and immediate, crackling with the bright, citrusy charge of tomatillos and serrano chiles.
Adjective
-
For brides drawn to the cleaner, portrait‑style elegance seen in Sperling’s wedding gown, Wickstead offered parallel lines in Italian duchesse and silk mikado with off‑the‑shoulder necklines, elongated torsos and linear trains.
-
Yet, the transition from teenage phenom to professional mainstay has been anything but a linear ascent.
Adverb
-
Affidavits supporting the Johnsons’ arrests were not immediately available Friday evening.
-
Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who voted against the proposal in mid-June, voiced fears that the list of noncitizen voters would immediately be seized by federal immigration authorities.
Adjective
-
This automates the quality assurance process, replacing slow manual review with instantaneous digital flows.
-
With the craft's communications failing within the first two hours, the submersible imploded upon descent, resulting in their instantaneous deaths.
Adjective
-
Rabies can also be transmitted through direct contact with brain or nervous system tissue from an infected animal.
-
Reliable plasma diagnostics are considered a key requirement because direct measurements inside fusion reactors become increasingly difficult as temperatures and neutron radiation levels rise.
Adverb
-
If anyone shows signs of heat illness, promptly move them to a cool, shaded area.
-
Claus trudged to the monitor, watched the foul on an agonizing loop and promptly handed Balogun a red card.
Adjective
-
That one phrase tries to create an instant emotional connection.
-
The recipe leans on instant pudding mix and strawberry gelatin to keep things extra effortless.
Adjective
-
The Angels have lost five straight and 11 of 17 since June 17.
-
On a night he was named an All-Star for the third straight season and 10th time in his career, pitcher Chris Sale led the Braves in an 14-3 blasting of the Mets on Saturday at Truist Park.
Cite this Entry
“Straightaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightaway. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
