straight
6 synonyms and 3 antonyms for straight, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Extending in one direction without bending or curving.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use straight
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English "streight," the past participle of "strecchen" ("to stretch") — straight originally meant "stretched out."
Full origin of straight →Frequently asked questions
What does “straight” mean?
The word “straight” means extending in one direction without bending or curving. In plain terms, not bent or curved; also used for honesty, directness, heterosexuality, and unbroken runs or sequences.
How do you pronounce “straight”?
“Straight” is pronounced strayt (/stɹeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “straight” in a sentence?
Here is “straight” used in a sentence: “Draw a straight line from one corner to the other.”
What is the opposite of “straight”?
The opposite of “straight” — its antonyms — are bent, crooked and curved.
What part of speech is “straight”?
Depending on how it is used, “straight” can be an adjective, an adverb and a noun.
Where does the word “straight” come from?
The word “straight” comes from Middle English. From Middle English "streight," the past participle of "strecchen" ("to stretch") — straight originally meant "stretched out.".
Is “straight” a common word?
“Straight” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “straight” have?
“Straight” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extending in one direction without bending or curving.
What is the difference between straight and strait?
They sound alike but differ in meaning and grammar. 'Straight' is usually an adjective meaning without bends or curves, as in a straight road. 'Strait' is a noun for a narrow channel of water linking two seas, and 'dire straits' means serious difficulty. If you mean 'not curved,' use straight.
What is the opposite of straight?
For the geometric sense, the main opposites are curved, bent, crooked, and winding, each describing a line that changes direction. 'Twisting' or 'wavy' suit a path that turns repeatedly. All contrast with the idea of extending in a single, unbroken direction without deviation.
Does 'straight' have other meanings?
Yes, several. Beyond 'not curved,' it can mean honest and direct ('a straight answer'), consecutive ('three straight wins'), undiluted ('a straight whisky'), or simply tidy and level. Context shows which sense applies, but the core image of something direct and without deviation runs through them all.