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

Rated at 27 horsepower (about 20 kW), it's aimed squarely at everyday farm chores like mowing, tilling and hauling – the kind of work that has traditionally meant firing up a diesel engine. — New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2026

Macklemore has pointed the blame squarely at Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, where Sheeran and Macklemore were scheduled to perform later this month. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026

This season, the Premier League finds itself squarely in the post-Pep era. — Jon MacKenzie, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

That price tag places it squarely in the middle of notable Washington State listings of late. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 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