squarely — English Dictionary

Adverb

1. In the shape of a square; at right angles.

2. Firmly and solidly.

   Usage

   • also
   • Figurative

   Examples

   “I stand squarely behind my decision,” he said, adding that he would not “shrink from my share of responsibility for where we are today.”

   More examples (1)

   Conoco on Monday announced a $9.7 billion all-stock takeover of Concho Resources (CXO), a fracker squarely focused on the Permian Basin, the massive West Texas oilfield at the heart of the shale revolution.

3. In a direct, straightforward and honest manner.

   Usage

   • Figurative

   Examples

   But Republicans placed the blame squarely on Mr. Biden.

Adverb

1. directly and without evasion; not roundabout

   Synonyms

   forthrightlyforthright

   Examples

   to face a problem squarely

   the responsibility lies squarely with them

   More examples (1)

   spoke forthright (or forthrightly) and to the point

2. in a straight direct way

   Synonyms

   square

   Examples

   looked him squarely in the eye

   ran square into me

3. firmly and solidly

   Synonyms

   square

   Examples

   hit the ball squarely

   the bat met the ball squarely

   More examples (1)

   planted his great bulk square before his enemy

4. in a square shape

   Synonyms

   square

   Examples

   a squarely cut piece of paper

   folded the sheet of paper square

5. with firmness and conviction; without compromise

   Synonyms

   foursquarestraightforwardly

   Examples

   dealt straightforwardly with all issues