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Synonyms

straightaway

American  
[streyt-uh-wey] / 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:

Members do not have to buy the new range straightaway, the website explains, and they can continue to wear the old uniform until they need a replacement.

From BBC Jul. 26, 2026

“Making that move on the straightaway was big because I knew it was one of our only chances to get a pass on Pato,” Palou said.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 19, 2026

"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

Experienced drivers can hit 170 mph on the back straightaway.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 9, 2025

They made their way under the graceful arches of a stone bridge, around a long, sweeping bend in the lake, and up the straightaway to the starting stalls.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

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