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 of squarely

• 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

Several of my roses fall squarely into the tolerant category. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026

The responsibility lies squarely with ownership and baseball operations leadership. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026

The Starlink Mini is targeted squarely at users who need to pick up and go frequently, providing internet access while traveling, camping, using an RV, or setting up in temporary locations. —Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026

Their record outside of the historically bad stretch was 75-66, a pace that would have put them squarely in the Wild Card race. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026

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