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

Gibb’s allies and the BBC have squarely denied this notion. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2025

Winslet’s tan pair fits squarely into the silhouette’s reputation for durability across wardrobes and decades. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 18 Nov. 2025

Yet this compromise absolved slavery’s defenders of any obligation to concede ground, and placed the onus squarely on slavery’s critics to accommodate their demands. —Time, 17 Nov. 2025

This put Alex squarely at the scene of the crime just before the murders. —Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025

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