squarely

American  

[skwair-lee] / ˈskwɛər li /

adverb

1. in a square shape, form, or manner.

2. directly; without evasion; in a straight or straightforward manner.

   to face a problem squarely.

3. in an honest or open manner; fairly.

4. in a clear manner; unequivocally.

   Our faith is based squarely on a commitment to the rights of all human beings.

5. firmly; so as to come into direct contact.

   The ball struck him squarely in the face.

6. in the exact place that is specified; exactly.

   The house sat squarely in the middle of the park.

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squarely British  

/ ˈskwɛəlɪ /

adverb

1. in a direct way; straight

   he hit me squarely on the nose

2. in an honest, frank, and just manner

3. at right angles

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Etymology

Origin of squarely

First recorded in 1550–60; square + -ly

Example Sentences

Squarely in the chase — and in the zone between the franchise deciding between buying and selling at the trade deadline — he’s just happy the Angels are in the conversation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2025

Squarely in the middle was Peter Newsham, a 27-year department veteran who the mayor chose as interim chief in mid-September, and who has made no secret that he wants the top job.

From Washington Post • Nov. 6, 2016

Squarely in the middle of his career as a backup defensive lineman, Douzable has spent the last four years preparing for his next.

From New York Times • Aug. 2, 2014

Squarely on the tournament bubble on Thursday, the seventh-seeded Wildcats lost, 75-68, to tenth-seeded Minnesota in the first round of the Big Ten tournament.

From New York Times • Mar. 9, 2012

Squarely behind them both was a big shingled building that looked like a fancy beach club in the summer.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott

Related Words

• justly
• objectively