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

Earthquakes usually happen on the west coast of the U.S., but this weekend’s political earthquake was centered squarely in Iowa. —Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024

Whether Trump wins or loses, Bannon added that losing the U.S. House would be a failure that would fall squarely on the shoulders of Speaker Mike Johnson. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Birth control should fit squarely within the reproductive-rights conversations Democrats are already having. —Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2024

Instead, Alix puts the responsibility squarely on her shoulders. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 30 Oct. 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