Synonyms

straightaway

American

[streyt-uh-wey] / ˈstreɪt əˌweɪ /

adjective

straight onward, without turn or curve, as a racecourse.

noun

a straightaway course or part.

adverb

immediately; right away.

straightaway British

/ ˌstreɪtəˈweɪ /

adverb

at once

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

the US word for straight

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of straightaway

First recorded in 1870–75; from phrase straight away

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Straightaway we could see that this would be the ideal site for them. We're so excited, it's going to be so much fun."

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

Straightaway, the energy is so macho that it’s almost corny.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2025

Straightaway the AI designed new molecules that also increase the activity of PPARs, like the drugs currently available, but without a lengthy discovery process.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2024

The spokesperson added that Alaska’s portfolio of regional food and beverage partners includes a mix of Oregon and Washington brands such as Tillamook, Beecher’s Cheese, Salt & Straw Ice Cream, Seattle Chocolates and Straightaway Cocktails.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 11, 2023

Straightaway she was installed in a large and luxurious guest room that Lady Constance selected especially for her.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023