STRAIGHTAWAY Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words

straightaway 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstrāt-ə-ˌwā

Definition of straightaway

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

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

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

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

Adjective

The oil market remains in backwardation, a phenomenon that occurs where futures contracts with immediate or near-term deliveries sell at a premium over later deliveries, suggesting an expectation that prices will fall over time.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
This weekend, religious leaders are expected to travel to Springfield to request the immediate release of one of the pastors, Joubert Adrien, from immigration detention after he was detained while riding as a passenger in a car.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of immediate

Adjective

Auriga effectively unrolled that circular motor, creating a linear system capable of accelerating an object along a track.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
The levels are mostly linear, with players going from Point A to Point B, but the team occasionally changes it up with more free-form stages in which players have tasks to perform or must hit a scoring threshold within a time limit.

— Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of linear

Adverb

Hansen’s attorney, who is with the Post-Conviction Justice Project at University of Southern California Gould School of Law, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday afternoon.

— Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Dehqani said reconstruction work began immediately after the refinery was hit during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in 2025.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of immediately

Adjective

Katarzyna Nowakowska, Poland's deputy minister for family, labor and social policy, told the AP that the most vulnerable applicants still receive direct help from the state and any other refugees needing support should turn to social workers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
To enjoy it past its best-by date safely, store your tea bags in a cool, dry place away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight, Tucker says.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of direct

Adverb

Evacuating promptly in an emergency also reduces the likelihood firefighters will have to put themselves in high-stress situations to rescue you.

— Julian L. Gallegos, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Nevada promptly sued, arguing the plan is untenable for Las Vegas.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of promptly

Adjective

Self Simulated is an obstacle-course platformer that recalls Super Meat Boy, but it's held back by controls that aren't nearly as tight and frustratingly large instant-kill hit boxes.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 22 Aug. 2026
Things changed — and quickly — in the sixth inning as the Sox displayed their ability for instant offense.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of instant

Adjective

Grande, for one, opted for an off-white and oversized fuzzy Amomento cardigan, worn over straight-leg blue jeans with white Sandy Liang patent ballet pumps and red socks.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2026
Auxerre gave away two penalties and also played most of the match with 10 men after defender Christ Makosso was shown a straight red card for a foul on Abadallah Sima in the 35th minute.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of straight

Browse Nearby Words

straight arrows

straightaway

straightbred

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Straightaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straightaway. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of straightaway

adjective

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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