straight arrow

noun

Synonyms of straight arrow

: a person who lives by rigidly proper or conventional standards

straight-arrow

ˈstrāt-ˌer-(ˌ)ō

-ˌa-(ˌ)rō

adjective

Examples of straight arrow in a Sentence

He doesn't drink or smoke. He's a real straight arrow.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Progress did not proceed in a straight arrow from bad times then to good times now. — Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 11 Feb. 2023 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 Good student, good football player, straight arrow. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for straight arrow

Word History

Etymology

from the expression straight as an arrow

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of straight arrow was in 1956

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Straight arrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straight%20arrow. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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straight arrow

noun

Examples of straight arrow in a Sentence

Word History

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