squarely

adverb

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

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.
Later in the show, while helping to usher presenters and winners on and off the stage, Apatow added a postscript joke aimed squarely at Musk, who is also the CEO of electric car manufacturer Tesla. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 9 Feb. 2025 That said, will Ahsoka season 2 pay attention to this matter or focus squarely on the two leads, Ahsoka and Sabine, who were left behind on Peridea while Ezra escaped the planet? Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 31 Jan. 2025 Another proposal in the list of options takes aim squarely at parents raising children on their own. Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 30 Jan. 2025 Advertisement Lakers LeBron says Lakers must play near-perfect to win: ‘That’s the way our team is constructed’ Jan. 20, 2025 Compared to the Lakers (23-18), whose eyes are squarely on the present, that made Tuesday predictably one-sided — though the Lakers still needed to execute. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near squarely

Cite this Entry

“Squarely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squarely. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on squarely

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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