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

The World Series is here, and we are treated to Game 2 tonight as the Rays and Brewers square off once again. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Arguably part of the reason War is so delicious is that the two actors, at the top of their adulterous craft, are finally squaring off against each other. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026

Slowing down Cook will be one of TCU’s primary goals, as the Horned Frogs’ elite run defense squares off with one of the nation’s most prolific rushing attacks. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

Republican Scott Cupps from Shell Knob is running for reelection there, squaring off against Democratic challenger Chris Foster. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for square off

• cerenkov
• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff