squarely

adverb

square·​ly ˈskwer-lē 

1

: in a straightforward or honest manner

we must squarely face the issue

2

a

: exactly, precisely

squarely in the middle

b

: so as to make solid contact

hit the ball squarely

feet squarely planted

3

: in a square form or manner : so as to be square

a squarely cut dress

4

: in a plain or unequivocal manner

The responsibility lies squarely with us.

align ourselves squarely with our allies

Synonyms of squarely

• right
• just

Examples of squarely in a Sentence

We must face these problems squarely.

It's time to deal squarely with the facts.

literature that is squarely in the American tradition

Their marketing campaign is aimed squarely at adolescents.

The dart hit the board squarely in the middle.

Look me squarely in the eye and tell me you're not lying.

He hit the ball squarely.

Her feet were squarely planted.

Recent Examples on the Web

Both teams were squarely into their bullpens at that point. —Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026

Adjusting prices based on real-time inventory, local demand signals, or channel dynamics falls squarely in this category. —François Candelon, Fortune, 12 June 2026

Mae Martin fits squarely into the latter category while also emerging as one of the most relatable players to ever take the Taskmaster stage. —Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 12 June 2026

The new 113-foot model sits squarely in the middle of the five-strong Navetta range, between the larger 42 and 38 and the smaller 33 and 30. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for squarely

• unfairly
• barely
• fairly
• rarely

Kids Definition

squarely

adverb

square·​ly

1

: in a plain or honest manner

we must squarely face the problem

2

a

: exactly sense 1a, precisely

squarely in the middle

b

: so as to make solid contact

hit the ball squarely

3

: in a square form or manner : so as to be square

a squarely cut dress