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.
Two teams with postseason aspirations square off today as the Rays take on the Blue Jays. David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026 As the moon and Mars square off, fear gets you into a fight. Usa Today, USA Today, 7 May 2026 In Game 2 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs, the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers square off. Data Skrive, New York Times, 7 May 2026 As New York squared off against the Sixers, Stiller and his wife, Zoolander actress Christine Taylor, showed their team spirit by sporting Knicks colors. Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 5 May 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 13 May. 2026.

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