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.
Its hurricane-force fury manifested in huge swells that carried thousands of miles through the ocean aimed squarely at the U.S west coast. Duncan Madden, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 The Hill: Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, a part of the government squarely in conservatives’ crosshairs this year, former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) appeared during Senate questioning to be prepared to implement Trump’s deregulatory agenda — and on track for confirmation. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2025 Tensions are high, rhetoric is sharp, and Baltimore, like many urban centers across the country, sits squarely in the crosshairs of a political showdown. Christopher Anderson, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025 The pressure falls squarely on the Bengals to remove any drama since by not signing the two stars earlier, all the leverage has shifted to the other side of the table. Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 9 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 22 Jan. 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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