square off
verb
squared off; squaring off; squares off
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.
: 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
The four Pokémon square off against each other, cracking the pavement beneath their feet.
—
Jordan Moreau, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Since then, the teams have squared off in two heavyweight bouts.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 25 Jan. 2026
Federal law enforcement officers have repeatedly squared off with community members and activists who track their movements.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Federal law enforcement officers have surged in the Twin Cities for weeks and have repeatedly squared off with community members and activists who track their movements.
—Giovanna Dell'orto, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for square off
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Jordan Moreau, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Since then, the teams have squared off in two heavyweight bouts.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 25 Jan. 2026
Federal law enforcement officers have repeatedly squared off with community members and activists who track their movements.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Federal law enforcement officers have surged in the Twin Cities for weeks and have repeatedly squared off with community members and activists who track their movements.
—Giovanna Dell'orto, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for square off
Cite this Entry
“Square off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/square%20off. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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