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

• due
• exactly
• full
• just
• precisely
• right
• sharp
• smack-dab

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

It was screened in places like Picturehouse that are squarely pitched to bourgeois film consumption. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2024

But in the end, the entertainment value rested squarely on the shoulders of the woman in the Phat Farm T-shirt. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 14 Dec. 2024

But with the American people’s eyes squarely on them, their current approach is increasingly untenable. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2024

With the Wolverines pulling off the victory, players from Michigan planted their flag squarely in the center of Ohio Stadium. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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