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 This week, her latest and much anticipated film, Challengers, releases in theaters, putting Zendaya squarely in the spotlight as Tashi Duncan, a powerful tennis competitor at the center of a steamy love triangle. Cady Lang, TIME, 26 Apr. 2024 On Thursday, William J. Burns, the C.I.A. director, placed the lack of progress in the talks squarely at the feet of Hamas and its negative reaction to a U.S.-backed proposal presented this month. Adam Rasgon, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2024 Helmet – Betty Helmet’s gold-selling 1992 breakthrough Meantime put the New York combo squarely at the intersection of alternative rock and metal. Al Shipley, SPIN, 21 Apr. 2024 But in The Tortured Poets Department, Swift seems to aim her weapons squarely at her own creation: her fans' deep parasocial relationship with her. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2024 The South Carolina native built his success on his double-barrel growl of a voice and roiling, capacious guitar crunch, which placed him squarely in the Southern jam-band tradition. Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2024 The program’s success spurred additional state investments and put the focus squarely on acquiring permanent housing units for those in our communities who otherwise would have no roof over their heads. Jamie Almanza, The Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2024 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

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

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 3 May. 2024.

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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