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

And then at the end of the game, that’s squarely on me. —Rob Reischel, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025

Meanwhile, former Virginia coach Tony Bennett, who abruptly resigned two-and-a-half weeks before the start of this current college basketball season, squarely put the onus on himself. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Jan. 2025

But the shower is sure to outdo 2024’s Geminid peak, which fell almost squarely on the day of the full moon. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024

The Dallas Cowboys have been eliminated from the playoffs, and now the attention has been placed squarely on the future of head coach Mike McCarthy. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 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