squarely

adverb square·ly \ ˈskwer-lē \

Updated on: 12 Apr 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

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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 of squarely from the Web

That's the kind of contract typically given to veteran backups (think Nick Bellore, who saw spot duty at linebacker and fullback for the Lions last year), and puts him squarely behind Wiggins in the offensive line pecking order.

— dave birkett, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Lions new OL: Projecting roles for Kenny Wiggins, Wesley Johnson," 6 Apr. 2018
In 2011, when Spotify launched its streaming music service in the U.S., the future of digital media lied squarely in the realm of advertising.

— erin griffith, WIRED, "Spotify and the Triumph of the Subscription Model," 3 Apr. 2018
While no exact time table has been set, TCU is squarely in the mix.

— william wilkerson, star-telegram, "Could this four-star QB end up at TCU? One expert thinks so | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 2 Apr. 2018
That puts him squarely on the hook for criminal charges if Mueller is so inclined.

— andrew cohen, Esquire, "What Happens Now That McCabe Is Fired? Consider These Five Things.," 19 Mar. 2018
Outside of Russia, few people have any doubts about who that culprit must be, and most fingers are pointed squarely at Moscow.

— fred weir, The Christian Science Monitor, "Russia eyed in UK spy poisoning case. But why would the Kremlin do it?," 12 Mar. 2018
Treviño has put that idea squarely at the center of his platform, one that mirrors the overall points Sanders campaigned on in 2016.

— jasper scherer, San Antonio Express-News, "Sanders rallies his supporters, urging continued commitment to getting out the vote," 9 Mar. 2018
Unfortunately, the current state of early learning in the nation puts the burden squarely on the shoulders of families, and that burden is often too heavy to bear.

— wilborn p. nobles iii, NOLA.com, "75 percent of young Louisianians don't qualify for military service, report says," 5 Mar. 2018
Dancing again: After being upset by Trinity Christian in the quarterfinals of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament, St. Francis' women's team found itself squarely on the bubble for the NAIA Division II Tournament.

— steve millar, Daily Southtown, "Local college notes: Jessica Kelliher of Lewis repeats as conference player of the year," 5 Mar. 2018

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

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

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

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squarely

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squarely

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