straight
1 of 4adjective
ˈstrāt 
1
a
: free from curves, bends, angles, or irregularities
straight hair
straight timber
b
: generated by a point moving continuously in the same direction and expressed by a linear equation
a straight line
the straight segment of a curve
2
a
: lying along or holding to a direct or proper course or method
a straight thinker
b
: candid, frank
a straight answer
c
: coming directly from a trustworthy source
a straight tip on the horses
d(1)
: having the elements in an order
the straight sequence of events
(2)
: consecutive
12 straight days
e
: having the cylinders arranged in a single straight line
a straight 8-cylinder engine
f
: plumb, vertical
the picture isn't quite straight
3
a
: exhibiting honesty and fairness
straight dealing
b
: properly ordered or arranged
set the kitchen straight
set us straight on that issue
also : correct
get the facts straight
c
: free from extraneous matter : unmixed
straight whiskey
d
: marked by no exceptions or deviations in support of a principle or party
votes a straight Democratic ticket
e
: having a fixed price for each regardless of the number sold
f
: not deviating from an indicated pattern
writes straight humor
a straight-A student
g(1)
: exhibiting no deviation from what is established or accepted as usual, normal, or proper : conventional
also : square sense 5f
(2)
: not using or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
h(1)
: of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to or between people of the opposite sex : heterosexual sense 1a
(2)
: of, relating to, or involving sexual activity between individuals of the opposite sex : heterosexual sense 1b
4
: being the only form of remuneration
on straight commission
straightish
ˈstrā-tish
adjective straightly adverb
straightness noun
straight
2 of 4adverb
: in a straight manner
came straight home from work
straight
3 of 4verb
straighted; straighting; straights
transitive verb
chiefly Scotland
: straighten
straight
4 of 4noun
1
: something that is straight: such as
a
: a straight line or arrangement
b
: straightaway
especially : homestretch
c
: a true or honest report or course
2
a
: a sequence (as of shots, strokes, or moves) resulting in a perfect score in a game or contest
b
: first place at the finish of a horse race : win
3
: a poker hand containing five cards in sequence but not of the same suit see poker illustration
4
: a person who adheres to conventional attitudes and mores
Did you know?
strait or straight?
Straight and strait are homophones (“one of two or more words pronounced alike but different in meaning or derivation or spelling”), and many people are in the habit of confusing such creatures, particularly when used in fixed phrases. If you express no emotion you have a straight face; an upright person is a straight shooter; a straight flush is “a poker hand containing five cards of the same suit in sequence.” However, if you find yourself in a difficult situation you are in dire straits. Straitjacket and straitlaced are the more commonly used forms for the restrictive garment and the “strict in manners” adjective, although straightjacket and straightlaced are also occasionally found.
Synonyms
Adjective
- direct
- linear
- right
- straightaway
- straightforward
Adverb
- dead
- direct
- directly
- due
- plumb
- plump
- right
- straightway
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective She has long, straight hair. The flagpole is perfectly straight. The picture isn't quite straight. We sat in the airport for five straight hours. Adverb She walked straight up to him and slapped him in the face. The tunnel goes straight through the mountain. The library is straight ahead. He was so drunk he couldn't walk straight. She sat with her legs straight out. The tree fell straight down. The car went straight off the road. She told him straight to his face that she hated him. Pine trees stood straight along the path. Sit up straight and don't slouch. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Gary Washburn, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Feb. 2023 Even so, the S&P 500 notched its second straight weekly gain. —Elena Popina, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2023 Indian Creek will match up with a third straight conference rival in the finals when the Braves collide with Northview. —Matthew Glenesk, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Feb. 2023 For the second straight offseason, the NFL will ask the competition committee to look at ways to make punt plays safer. —Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2023 Odds boosts: Tokens to increase odds of qualifying straight bets or parlays. —oregonlive, 3 Feb. 2023 Facebook-parent Meta on Wednesday posted its third straight quarterly decline in revenue and a 55% drop in profit for the final three months of 2022. —Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 3 Feb. 2023 This was their fifth straight trip to the AFC title game and will be their third Super Bowl appearance in that span. —Kaylee Remington, cleveland, 3 Feb. 2023 Press through feet to straighten legs and jump up off the floor while swinging straight arms behind body. —Women's Health, 3 Feb. 2023 Terry Pluto, cleveland, 4 Feb. 2023 The top two from each of eight Class 7A area tournaments advance straight to regional play. —Dennis Victory, al, 2 Feb. 2023 Traditional vouchers, meanwhile, often send funding straight to the private school or educational institution where a student is enrolled. —Dallas News, 2 Feb. 2023 Or go straight to the source and buy a work directly from an artist. —Ella Riley-adams Kurt Soller Alice Newell-hanson Angela Koh Carla Valdivia Nakatani Jinnie Lee Carla Valdivia Nakatani Caitlin Kelly, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2023 So that even when your ticket says row 39, your peace and comfort can transport you straight to 1A. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2023 Between the ribbon, the soft throw, and the timeless pattern, my mind went straight to gifts for birthdays, holidays, housewarmings, bridal and baby showers, and weddings. —Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2023 On a bluebird day, continue on Right-a-Way and ski straight to the patio of Slopeside Grill for pitchers of palomas or a shotski with friends. —Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Feb. 2023 The Aztecs are scheduled to fly home late this morning, then head straight to Viejas Arena to begin preparations for Friday’s game against Boise State. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2023 See More
Adjective
Irving wanted a straight contract that wasn’t packed with enticements. —Gary Washburn, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Feb. 2023 Even so, the S&P 500 notched its second straight weekly gain. —Elena Popina, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2023 Indian Creek will match up with a third straight conference rival in the finals when the Braves collide with Northview. —Matthew Glenesk, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Feb. 2023 For the second straight offseason, the NFL will ask the competition committee to look at ways to make punt plays safer. —Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2023 Odds boosts: Tokens to increase odds of qualifying straight bets or parlays. —oregonlive, 3 Feb. 2023 Facebook-parent Meta on Wednesday posted its third straight quarterly decline in revenue and a 55% drop in profit for the final three months of 2022. —Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 3 Feb. 2023 This was their fifth straight trip to the AFC title game and will be their third Super Bowl appearance in that span. —Kaylee Remington, cleveland, 3 Feb. 2023 Press through feet to straighten legs and jump up off the floor while swinging straight arms behind body. —Women's Health, 3 Feb. 2023 Adverb
So this is not about how everyone who gambles is buying a ticket straight to hell or bankruptcy. —Terry Pluto, cleveland, 4 Feb. 2023 The top two from each of eight Class 7A area tournaments advance straight to regional play. —Dennis Victory, al, 2 Feb. 2023 Traditional vouchers, meanwhile, often send funding straight to the private school or educational institution where a student is enrolled. —Dallas News, 2 Feb. 2023 Or go straight to the source and buy a work directly from an artist. —Ella Riley-adams Kurt Soller Alice Newell-hanson Angela Koh Carla Valdivia Nakatani Jinnie Lee Carla Valdivia Nakatani Caitlin Kelly, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2023 So that even when your ticket says row 39, your peace and comfort can transport you straight to 1A. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2023 Between the ribbon, the soft throw, and the timeless pattern, my mind went straight to gifts for birthdays, holidays, housewarmings, bridal and baby showers, and weddings. —Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2023 On a bluebird day, continue on Right-a-Way and ski straight to the patio of Slopeside Grill for pitchers of palomas or a shotski with friends. —Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Feb. 2023 The Aztecs are scheduled to fly home late this morning, then head straight to Viejas Arena to begin preparations for Friday’s game against Boise State. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2023 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English streght, straight, from past participle of strecchen to stretch — more at stretch
First Known Use
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adverb
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Noun
1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing straight
Kids Definition
straight
1 of 2 adjective ˈstrāt
1
a
: free from curves, bends, angles, or unevenness
straight hair
straight timber
b
: formed by a point moving continuously in the same direction
a straight line
2
a
: holding to a proper course or method
a straight thinker
b
: frank, candid
a straight answer
3
: vertical sense 2, upright
the picture isn't quite straight
4
a
: exhibiting truth, fairness, and honesty : just
straight dealings
b
: correctly ordered or arranged
set the kitchen straight
also : correct
get the facts straight
c
: consecutive
five straight hours
d
: having nothing added
straight liquor
e
: making no exceptions in one's voting for a political party
voted a straight ticket
f
: not varying from a pattern
writes straight humor
g
: conventional
h
: not using or under the influence of drugs
i
: heterosexual entry 1
5
: being the only form of payment
on straight commission
straightness noun
straight
2 of 2 adverb : in a straight manner, course, or line
came straight home from school
straight 1 of 2
adjective
1
as in linear
free from irregularities or digressions in course in the wide, open spaces of the West some rural roads are incredibly straight Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- linear
- direct
- straightforward
- right
- straightaway
- unbent
- untwisted
- uncurled
- undeviating
- unswerving
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- rounded
- curved
- twisted
- twisting
- winding
- turning
- wavy
- turned
- bowed
- curving
- curled
- warped
- spiral
- kinked
- bending
- spiraling
- coiled
- looped
- curling
- swirled
- looping
- entwined
- veering
- coiling
- crooked
- sinuous
- serpentine
- weaving
- spiralling
- twining
- corkscrew
- zigzag
- meandering
- devious
- twined
- zigzagging
2
as in honest
conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue a store owner known and trusted for his straight dealings Synonyms & Similar Words
- honest
- honorable
- nice
- true
- ethical
- good
- right
- decent
- upright
- moral
- just
- all right
- worthy
- righteous
- virtuous
- correct
- noble
- proper
- respected
- pure
- legitimate
- right-minded
- clean
- innocent
- decorous
- creditable
- reputable
- exemplary
- seemly
- principled
- upstanding
- immaculate
- esteemed
- commendable
- unobjectionable
- guiltless
- blameless
- moralistic
- angelic
- spotless
- unerring
- incorruptible
- uncorrupted
- irreproachable
- scrupulous
- inoffensive
- sanctimonious
- incorrupted
- law-abiding
- high-minded
- lily-white
- rectitudinous
- menschy
- pharisaical
- incorrupt
- angelical
- self-righteous
- goody-goody
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- wrong
- bad
- wicked
- evil
- sinful
- dishonest
- improper
- immoral
- incorrect
- dishonorable
- unethical
- naughty
- indecent
- unseemly
- degenerate
- perverted
- unrighteous
- unbecoming
- low
- depraved
- base
- indecorous
- dissolute
- corrupt
- unscrupulous
- debauched
- libertine
- infamous
- vicious
- unprincipled
- debased
- mean
- villainous
- atrocious
- vile
- offensive
- reprobate
- objectionable
- fallen
- evil-minded
- errant
- erring
- nefarious
- iniquitous
- blameworthy
3
as in pure
free from added matter would you like that whiskey straight or with soda? Synonyms & Similar Words
- pure
- plain
- fresh
- unadulterated
- filtered
- undiluted
- neat
- tried
- clean
- absolute
- fine
- refined
- unmixed
- purified
- unalloyed
- concentrated
- unpolluted
- uncontaminated
- rendered
- strong
- untainted
- uncorrupted
- clarified
- undefiled
- full-bodied
- taintless
- uncombined
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- mixed
- contaminated
- spoiled
- polluted
- alloyed
- corrupted
- diluted
- impure
- adulterated
- tainted
- fouled
- blended
- soiled
- combined
- debased
- compounded
- fused
- linked
- sullied
- intermingled
- joined
- incorporated
- mingled
- intermixed
- befouled
- merged
- commingled
- unclarified
- defiled
- amalgamated
- conjoined
- united
- coalesced
- besmirched
- doctored
- watered-down
- cheapened
4
as in outspoken
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions you should be straight with your boss and tell him that you're not happy with the current situation Synonyms & Similar Words
- honest
- outspoken
- direct
- open
- frank
- straightforward
- candid
- plain
- forthcoming
- blunt
- vocal
- forthright
- real
- out-front
- unguarded
- plainspoken
- unreserved
- up-front
- earnest
- freehearted
- foursquare
- unaffected
- openhearted
- sincere
- free-spoken
- outgoing
- naive
- uninhibited
- guileless
- undesigning
- natural
- unpretentious
- innocent
- artless
- sharp
- unpretending
- bluff
- unrestrained
- gruff
- rude
- vociferous
- abrupt
- ingenuous
- curt
- brusque
- crusty
- unsubtle
- naïve
- impolite
- impertinent
- ungracious
- thoughtless
- tactless
- brusk
- uncivil
- unmannerly
- undiplomatic
- inconsiderate
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- uncandid
- quiet
- restrained
- laconic
- inhibited
- ambiguous
- reserved
- circuitous
- dissembling
- reticent
- unforthcoming
- taciturn
- uncommunicative
- diplomatic
- evasive
- civil
- polite
- tactful
- courteous
- equivocal
- tight-lipped
- politic
- close-mouthed
- considerate
5
as in direct
going straight to the point clearly and firmly a politician who can never give a straight answer to questions about his positions Synonyms & Similar Words
- direct
- straightforward
- plain
- blunt
- honest
- candid
- forthright
- frank
- open
- sharp
- true
- foursquare
- earnest
- sincere
- aboveboard
- outspoken
- uninhibited
- bluff
- unguarded
- plainspoken
- curt
- abrupt
- artless
- unreserved
- gruff
- brusque
- unrestrained
- truthful
- openhearted
- free-spoken
- rude
- impolite
- point-blank
- tactless
- brusk
- undiplomatic
- inconsiderate
- veracious
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- indirect
- roundabout
- circuitous
- lying
- wordy
- civil
- restrained
- polite
- verbose
- inhibited
- reserved
- erroneous
- prolix
- courteous
- tactful
- long-winded
- false
- misleading
- deceitful
- ambiguous
- circumlocutory
- mendacious
- untruthful
- fallacious
- hypocritical
- evasive
- equivocal
- two-faced
- double-dealing
6
as in sober
not having one's mind affected by alcohol I'll drive the car, since I seem to be the only one of us who is straight at the moment Synonyms & Similar Words
- sober
- dry
- steady
- cool
- clearheaded
- level
- abstinent
- temperate
- teetotal
- abstemious
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- high
- blind
- drunk
- tight
- stiff
- drunken
- ripped
- hammered
- looped
- plastered
- stoned
- tipsy
- squiffy
- crocked
- fried
- lit
- blasted
- boozy
- stewed
- bombed
- smashed
- stinking
- gassed
- inebriated
- intoxicated
- wiped out
- loaded
- lit up
- cockeyed
- alcoholic
- sloshed
- soused
- pickled
- blitzed
- juiced
- canned
- oiled
- potted
- wasted
- tanked
- inebriate
- dipsomaniacal
- sozzled
- blotto
- squiffed
- crapulous
- bibulous
- sottish
- pie-eyed
- maudlin
- dopey
- befuddled
- tiddly
- besotted
- dopy
- dissolute
- debauched
- dissipated
7
as in consecutive
following one after another without others coming in between I was awake for two straight days Synonyms & Similar Words
- consecutive
- successive
- uninterrupted
- sequential
- back-to-back
- continuous
- sequent
- in series
- next
- succeeding
- serial
- successional
- later
- subsequent
- following
- posterior
- constant
- ensuing
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- nonconsecutive
- nonsequential
- inconsecutive
- inconsequent
straight
2 of 2adverb
1
as in right
in a direct line or course when we got to the airport, we went straight to the baggage claim area Synonyms & Similar Words
- right
- directly
- direct
- dead
- plump
- due
- straightway
- plumb
- as the crow flies
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- indirectly
- circuitously
- veeringly
- deviously
2
as in plain
in an honest and direct manner we gave it to him straight: his performance would have to improve—or he was out Synonyms & Similar Words
- plain
- straightforward
- directly
- openly
- abruptly
- sincerely
- straightforwardly
- simply
- honestly
- straightforwards
- sharply
- plainly
- forthrightly
- foursquare
- frankly
- bluffly
- baldly
- bluntly
- candidly
- unreservedly
- brusquely
- unguardedly
- rudely
- openheartedly
- curtly
- artlessly
- earnestly
- truthfully
- gruffly
- tactlessly
- point-blank
- impolitely
- inconsiderately
- veraciously
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- politely
- wordily
- courteously
- tactfully
- diplomatically
- verbosely
- erroneously
- indirectly
- falsely
- long-windedly
- deceitfully
- ambiguously
- untruthfully
- circuitously
- civilly
- mendaciously
- hypocritically
- insincerely
- evasively
- fallaciously
- equivocally
Phrases Containing straight
- cut off
- cut off from
- cut off one's nose to spite one's face
- cut oil
- cut on
- cut one's losses
- cut one's own throat
- cut one's teeth
- cut out
- cut out for
- cut out of
- cut out to be
- cut out to do
- cut plug
- cut point
- cut proud
- cut round
- cut short
- cut some slack
- cut someone dead
- cut someone some slack
- cut someone to the quick
- cut square
- cut stone
- cut string