1
: in a straightforward or honest manner
we must squarely face the issue
2
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
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
Instead, like many once-prosperous 20th-century American companies, Tupperware’s downfall appears to land squarely at the feet of its management.
—
Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 12 Apr. 2024
The onus for such admin lies squarely on the operator, of course, and such criminality would require complicity from pilot and aircraft owner both.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2024
But the Supreme Court has not done so, though Morley said there have been few cases where the justices could squarely address the issue.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2024
Those squarely along the center line of the path will see an eclipse that lasts between 3 ½ and 4 minutes, according to NASA.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024
Some 100 yards straight ahead stood a 3,500-pound hippopotamus, staring squarely in our direction.
—Alexandra Kirkman, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2024
The lapse raised questions about whether Mr. Putin’s security services, which have been concentrating squarely on waging war against Ukraine, overlooked the threat posed by extremist Islamic groups.
—Ivan Nechepurenko, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2024
Fewer episodes and less time spent on the self-destructive café manager would have kept the storyline squarely on Rocco’s psyche.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 5 Mar. 2024
Those squarely along the center line of the path will see a total eclipse that lasts between 3½ and 4 minutes, according to NASA.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 1 Apr. 2024
Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 12 Apr. 2024
The onus for such admin lies squarely on the operator, of course, and such criminality would require complicity from pilot and aircraft owner both.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2024
But the Supreme Court has not done so, though Morley said there have been few cases where the justices could squarely address the issue.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2024
Those squarely along the center line of the path will see an eclipse that lasts between 3 ½ and 4 minutes, according to NASA.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 8 Apr. 2024
Some 100 yards straight ahead stood a 3,500-pound hippopotamus, staring squarely in our direction.
—Alexandra Kirkman, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2024
The lapse raised questions about whether Mr. Putin’s security services, which have been concentrating squarely on waging war against Ukraine, overlooked the threat posed by extremist Islamic groups.
—Ivan Nechepurenko, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2024
Fewer episodes and less time spent on the self-destructive café manager would have kept the storyline squarely on Rocco’s psyche.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 5 Mar. 2024
Those squarely along the center line of the path will see a total eclipse that lasts between 3½ and 4 minutes, according to NASA.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 1 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'squarely.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near squarely
Cite this Entry
“Squarely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squarely. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
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
Nglish: Translation of squarely for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of squarely for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share