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Synonyms

straightaway

American  
[strayt-uh-way] / ˈstreɪt əˌweɪ /

adjective

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


noun

  1. a straightaway course or part.

adverb

  1. immediately; right away.

straightaway British  
/ ˌstreɪtəˈweɪ /

adverb

  1. 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

  1. 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


Vocabulary lists containing straightaway

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.

See Examples For:

"Some guys, like Jannik and Carlos, they're just capable of showing up to the Australian Open, playing great tennis straightaway," he said.

From Barron's ● Jan. 3, 2026

Whether we fight or submit straightaway, once we’re engulfed and pesky tensions like personal freedom or opinion are no longer available to us, many find it easier to float along instead of struggling.

From Salon ● Dec. 29, 2025

"If that had been someone in my party, I'd have dealt with it straightaway," he said.

From BBC ● Nov. 21, 2025

Experienced drivers can hit 170 mph on the back straightaway.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 9, 2025

I started apologizing for my behaviour straightaway, said I’d been feeling really down, but that I was pulling myself together, turning over a new leaf.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

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