squarely

adverb

square·​ly ˈskwer-lē How to pronounce squarely (audio)
Synonyms of squarelynext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Try to remember that your teen’s eyes were focused squarely on the $100 prize and so this is an issue of overlooking rather than one of insult. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Once summer’s squarely behind her, the royal wears a steady rotation of coat dresses, trenches, blazers, and every other type of outerwear under the sun. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 16 Oct. 2026 Al-Khelaifi, as beIN’s chairman, as well as a member of the board of the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), falls squarely in that remit. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 The absence of hitting puts the pressure squarely on the shoulders of Snell and Glasnow. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for squarely

Word History

First Known Use

1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of squarely was in 1564

Rhymes for squarely

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Browse Nearby Words

square-lipped rhinoceros
squarely
squareman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squarely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squarely. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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
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