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.
The teams square off for the fourth time this season. ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026 This year, the Pink Full Moon squares off against the expansive planet Jupiter, which is in the sign of Cancer, offering us protection and sanctuary. Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 30 Mar. 2026 The teams square off again on April 10 in Portland. Janis Carr, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026 Think on your feet while the Gemini moon squares off with Mars. Usa Today, USA Today, 24 Mar. 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 2 Apr. 2026.

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