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
  • These are all things that are going to need to be thoroughly investigated as part of our pledge to hold the crooks accountable, beginning on day one.
    — Lauren Peller, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Regardless of how thoughtlessly Rainbeau might be acting, Rosa has had it out for her since day one.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 3 Nov. 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
  • In fact, Skewis has known Palace’s strategic advisor for the China region, Stéphen Khou, for some 25 years, acquainted through his travels in France and London’s ground zero for skating, Southbank.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Tarrant County is ground zero for a blue wave in Texas, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa said at a Tuesday night get-out-the-vote rally in Lake Worth.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of ground zero
Noun
  • Except Moe is nice, caring, and talented, while Matt is arrogant, unpleasant, and, at the beginning of the episode, belligerently drunk.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Still, gas prices remain up by more than 30% since the war with Iran started on February 28, and around 40% since the beginning of the year.
    — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • While the Yankees’ hitting staff remains up in the air, Cashman did say that first base/infield coach Dan Fiorito and third base/outfield coach Luis Rojas will be back.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Then Ben Williamson ended it with a very Brewers-like hit, a ground ball to the right side that took a huge bounce over first base to reach the outfield.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 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 Nov. 2026.

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