square one

noun

Definition of square onenext
as in day one

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of square one Thousands of lives were lost to arrive back to square one. — Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 15 June 2026 The White House offered a list of concessions, but not the more ambitious ones Democrats sought, and Republicans found themselves back at square one. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 5 June 2026 And that’s a hopeful timeline, given the hurdles of demining, returning confidence to captains and insurers, and bringing in a legion of empty tankers to stock up — and the risk that one errant drone could reset the whole process to square one. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 2 June 2026 When space is particularly limited, a circular fire pit can help fit more seating than a square one. — Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for square one
Recent Examples of Synonyms for square one
  1. day one
  2. drawing board
  3. ground zero
  4. beginning
  5. first base
Noun
  • One of my all-time favorite cars, in my favorite possible color and options combo, in the family since day one?
    — Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The brands doing it best are bringing consumers behind the curtain from day one, documenting the creative process rather than simply presenting their finished product, according to Chen.
    — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of day one
Noun
  • Compare that to the F-35 Lightning II, which took over 13 years to go from drawing board to first flight.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2025
  • After trying all three, stick with the one that worked best for you (or go back to drawing board).
    — Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Definition of drawing board
Noun
  • More than 2,000 miles from ground zero, thousands of flags were planted into West Sacramento soil to help sow the seeds of remembrance for the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center.
    — Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • China’s film and video industry is in the midst of an AI revolution, and at ground zero are the micro dramas that play out on millions of smartphones.
    — Ling Wei, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of ground zero
Noun
  • Steele’s only two league appearances over the past two seasons came at the beginning of Hurzeler’s reign in 2024-25, when Verbruggen was injured.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Finally, here’s one more restaurant to put on your list, this one at the beginning of its journey.
    — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • Skenes also got a big play from the Pirates’ defense in the fifth inning when Zach Neto was thrown out trying to score the tying run from first base on Mike Trout’s two-out double.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • In 1983, Morgan transitioned to the Red Sox’s major-league staff as a scout before becoming the club’s first base coach in 1985.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of first base

Browse Nearby Words

square (off)
square one
square ones
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Cite this Entry

“Square one.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/square%20one. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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