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

The linear arrangement of bases in the DNA gets directly translated into the linear sequence of amino acids that make up a protein.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
Netflix has separated itself from the rest of the streaming- and linear-television pack in Nason’s and Gasparo’s genre of choice.

— Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of linear

Adverb

But that bipartisan effort was immediately panned by conservative groups, and little else has emerged as a serious solution.

— Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Though freshman Jackson Cantwell likely could have stepped in immediately at left tackle, the junior Okunlola has the game experience (albeit mostly at guard) that should serve him well in taking on the opponent’s best edge rusher.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 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

This piece argues critical thinking was built for reflection and human opponents, not for fluent, instant AI output.

— Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Another really handy feature that XTU has included is a magnetic instant snap-in magnetic mount, which locks in securely to the bottom of the camera allowing for it to be mounted in various ways – selfie stick, tripod, dashcam or on a helmet.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of instant

Adjective

The Bears used seven straight runs up the middle to drive 75 yards for the opening touchdown.

— Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Coach John Harbaugh made the interesting decision Friday night to sit Dart and a number of other starters for a second straight preseason game.

— Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 29 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of straightaway

adjective

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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