squarely

adverb

square·​ly ˈskwer-lē How to pronounce squarely (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the attention will be squarely on Quenneville before the game – the Chicago media may have more than one question for him about his time there and his absence from the league – once the puck drops, there’ll be an emphasis on the first goal. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025 Mayfield is squarely in the hunt for the league MVP, throwing for 1,539 yards, 12 touchdowns and one interception through the first six games. Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 Platner’s progressive platform places him squarely within the burgeoning class of populist political hopefuls—Zohran Mamdani in New York’s mayoral race, and Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Senate race, to name two—who have seen success in grassroots campaigns which lean heavily on progressive issues. Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2025 Later this week the United Nations will hold a vote on a multibillion-dollar climate change tax targeted squarely at American industry. Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for squarely

Word History

First Known Use

1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of squarely was in 1564

Cite this Entry

“Squarely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squarely. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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