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

The pressure campaign against Iran is now migrating from the Strait of Hormuz to the financial system — and the second-order effects are landing squarely in Europe. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Chandler and Pierre may be squarely in their comfort zones, but that also puts them in a position to succeed. — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026

Welcome to Oak Street, located squarely in Everysuburb USA, circa 1982. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026

This tire is aimed squarely at the driver who needs some degree of serious off-road capability in what otherwise amounts to a daily driver. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 12 Aug. 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