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

• 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

However, his focus was squarely focused on sounds emerging from Texas and Tennessee. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

He’s led the AL in innings pitched once (in 2022 with 201 1/3) and is squarely in the race in that department this season. —Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Manager Oliver Marmol and his club did not get the message, as the fourth-year manager has his club squarely in the mix for the National League Central crown. —Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025

Focus was then squarely on Murkowski, whose vote could have tanked the entire bill. —Isabella Murray, ABC News, 1 July 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