straightaway

1 of 3

adverb

straight·​away ˌstrāt-ə-ˈwā How to pronounce straightaway (audio)
Synonyms of straightawaynext
: without hesitation or delay

straightaway

2 of 3

adjective

straight·​away ˈstrāt-ə-ˌwā How to pronounce straightaway (audio)
1
: proceeding in a straight line : continuous in direction
2
: immediate

straightaway

3 of 3

noun

straight·​away ˈstrā-tə-ˌwā How to pronounce straightaway (audio)
: a straight course: such as
a
: the straight part of a closed racecourse : stretch
b
: a straight and unimpeded stretch of road or way

Synonyms of straightaway

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Adverb

Adjective

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Examples of straightaway in a Sentence

Adverb He found the information straightaway. he got to the hospital, and straightaway he was admitted and given intravenous fluids Adjective her first novel was a straightaway success the doomed ship was headed on a straightaway course in the path of the iceberg
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.
Adverb
Sanders, along with two of his daughters, skins the fish straightaway. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026 The manager gave me that straightaway. — Andy Jones, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Adjective
His skating truly is on another level, both through his edges and through a uniquely wide straightaway base. — Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026 Reynolds, batting right-handed, connected on his first homer of the night in the sixth, sending a flyball to straightaway center for a solo shot. — ABC News, 17 June 2026
Noun
The main straightaway and the pits are ready for teams to arrive. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026 The long straightaway near Cadillac Drive. — Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for straightaway

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1534, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of straightaway was circa 1534

Rhymes for straightaway

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Browse Nearby Words

straight as a ramrod
straightaway
straight-backed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Straightaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straightaway. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

straightaway

1 of 3 adjective
straight·​away ˈstrāt-ə-ˌwā How to pronounce straightaway (audio)
1
: proceeding in a straight line : continuous in direction : straightforward
2
: immediate sense 4
made a straightaway reply

straightaway

2 of 3 noun
: the straight part of a racetrack : stretch

straightaway

3 of 3 adverb
straight·​away ˌstrāt-ə-ˈwā How to pronounce straightaway (audio)
: without delay : immediately
found an answer straightaway

More from Merriam-Webster on straightaway

Nglish: Translation of straightaway for Spanish Speakers

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