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

Reiner was squarely at the center of Lear’s universe of shows. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025

A lot of times, people squarely put all the focus on the quarterback. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Dec. 2025

Among its enormous range, which includes both performance and more classical styles, are these peccary gloves that fall squarely in the latter camp. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 15 Dec. 2025

The usual suspects—Shein, Temu, AliExpress and the like—are squarely in the crosshairs of regulators. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 13 Dec. 2025

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