Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

squarely

adverb square·ly \ ˈskwer-lē \
|Updated on: 1 Aug 2018

Definition of squarely

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

See squarely defined for English-language learners

See squarely defined for kids

Examples of squarely in a Sentence

  1. We must face these problems squarely.

  2. It's time to deal squarely with the facts.

  3. literature that is squarely in the American tradition

  4. Their marketing campaign is aimed squarely at adolescents.

  5. The dart hit the board squarely in the middle.

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

  7. He hit the ball squarely.

  8. Her feet were squarely planted.

Recent Examples of squarely from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'squarely.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of squarely

1564

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

squarely Synonyms

Synonyms

due, exactly, full, just, precisely, right, sharp, smack-dab;

Phrases

on the button, on the nose;

SQUARELY Defined for English Language Learners

squarely

adverb

Definition of squarely for English Language Learners

  • : in a direct and honest way

  • : in the exact location or position that is mentioned ,

  • : in a way that makes direct contact

Learn More about squarely

  1. See words that rhyme with squarely Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for squarely Spanish Central: Translation of squarely Nglish: Translation of squarely for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of squarely for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up squarely? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

imperturbable

play

very hard to disturb or upset

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. hogwash 'nonsense, balderdash'

  2. probity 'adherence to the highest principles and ideals'

  3. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  4. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  5. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

squarely

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Spelling Words Quiz

  • alphabet-pasta-spelling-help
  • Which is the correct spelling?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games