square off

verb

squared off; squaring off; squares off

intransitive verb

1
: to take a fighting stance : prepare to fight
also : to fight or argue
squared off in a debate
2
: to compete in a contest
The two teams squared off for the championship.

transitive verb

: to make square : to give (something) straight edges, flat surfaces, or sharp, even corners

Examples of square off in a Sentence

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.
California’s jungle primary sees the top two finishers square off against each other in the November election. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 19 Jan. 2026 Crockett and Talarico square off in the March 3 primary. Dallas Morning News, 18 Jan. 2026 With the Bills and Broncos squaring off in the AFC Divisional Round Saturday, Steinfeld’s picture from 10 years ago resurfaced on social media. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 17 Jan. 2026 Many of the players who squared off Saturday weren't alive the last time A&M beat Texas in Austin. Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 17 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for square off

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of square off was in 1838

Cite this Entry

“Square off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/square%20off. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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