square off

verb

squared off; squaring off; squares off

intransitive verb

: to take a fighting stance : prepare to fight
also : fight

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.
And, before it was owned by PVH, Calvin Klein squared off with its underwear licensee Warnaco. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 23 June 2025 Resist avoiding the truth while the sun squares off with Saturn. Usa Today, USA Today, 22 June 2025 Just over a week ago, Rancho Bernardo High School and Point Loma High School squared off in the CIF San Diego Section Division 1 championship game. Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025 Two of the titans of chess — one, the up-and-coming champion versus arguably the greatest player of all time — squared off over the weekend in a game that has drawn attention not just for its result but for the post-game reaction. Jason Abbruzzese, NBC news, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for square off

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of square off was in 1837

Cite this Entry

“Square off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/square%20off. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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