1
: in a straightforward or honest manner
we must squarely face the issue
2
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
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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
The major metros of Fort Lauderdale and Miami were squarely in the risk area, meteorologists said.
—
Kathryn Prociv, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2023
As to the strike’s length, Schultz put the blame squarely on the studios.
—Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2023
Steve Schwarzman, the billionaire CEO of investment giant Blackrock, the world’s biggest commercial property owner, is squarely on the side of people returning to the office.
—Bypaolo Confino, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2023
But other insiders note that multiple projects that did not sign interim agreements also failed to land deals, suggesting the blame for the sluggish TIFF market can’t put squarely on IAs.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2023
Despite the loss, Oceanside is squarely in the Division 2 playoffs.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Oct. 2023
The stance adopted by the Allen Institute, an influential nonprofit research center in Seattle, puts it squarely on one side of a fierce debate over how open or closed new A.I. should be.
—Steve Lohr, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2023
However, describing a partner as 'avoidant' can also put the blame for an issue in the relationship squarely in the lap of the partner rather than enabling a more nuanced understanding that a relationship is a complex mix of both people's personality and behavior.
—Vicky Spratt, refinery29.com, 17 Oct. 2023
At those prices, Zoe is aimed squarely at wealthier consumers—a point not lost on columnist James Greig, who wrote about Zoe in the newsletter Vittles.
—Grace Browne, WIRED, 16 Oct. 2023
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Kathryn Prociv, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2023
As to the strike’s length, Schultz put the blame squarely on the studios.
—Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2023
Steve Schwarzman, the billionaire CEO of investment giant Blackrock, the world’s biggest commercial property owner, is squarely on the side of people returning to the office.
—Bypaolo Confino, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2023
But other insiders note that multiple projects that did not sign interim agreements also failed to land deals, suggesting the blame for the sluggish TIFF market can’t put squarely on IAs.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2023
Despite the loss, Oceanside is squarely in the Division 2 playoffs.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Oct. 2023
The stance adopted by the Allen Institute, an influential nonprofit research center in Seattle, puts it squarely on one side of a fierce debate over how open or closed new A.I. should be.
—Steve Lohr, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2023
However, describing a partner as 'avoidant' can also put the blame for an issue in the relationship squarely in the lap of the partner rather than enabling a more nuanced understanding that a relationship is a complex mix of both people's personality and behavior.
—Vicky Spratt, refinery29.com, 17 Oct. 2023
At those prices, Zoe is aimed squarely at wealthier consumers—a point not lost on columnist James Greig, who wrote about Zoe in the newsletter Vittles.
—Grace Browne, WIRED, 16 Oct. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'squarely.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near squarely
Cite this Entry
“Squarely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squarely. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on squarely
Nglish: Translation of squarely for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of squarely for Arabic Speakers
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