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

Their concerns over managing healthcare costs put the issue of affordability squarely in the spotlight. — Fatima Hussein, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Home listings on Zillow mentioning sensory gardens and pathways jumped 314% in 2024 over the previous year, a surge that puts the quiet backyard idea squarely in the mainstream. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2026

The cold logic of procurement The tension sits squarely inside JLL’s 2026 Global State of Facilities Management Report, a survey of 1,321 organizations across 15 countries. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026

The annual New Year Bourbon falls squarely into the latter category, and this year’s edition—the tenth to date—combines whiskey from seven different states into a cask-strength banger that is worth seeking out. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 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