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 The companies seeing measurable impact are the ones willing to go back to square one, rethink their workflows and build AI directly into how work gets done. — Jo Debecker, Forbes.com, 9 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
  • The main criteria for deals is that the acquisition has pay their way from day one, Al Lamki said.
    — Ed Clowes, semafor.com, 8 July 2026
  • Starting narrow tends to produce better outcomes than trying to build a comprehensive conversational interface from day one.
    — Kamya Elawadhi, Forbes.com, 7 July 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
  • Pepper plays Coach, a former NYPD police officer and 9/11 first responder suffering from leukemia, a result of his work at ground zero.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 July 2026
  • Secluded waterfront communities have become ground zero for Miami-Dade’s wealth migration.
    — Catherine Odom July 8, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026
Definition of ground zero
Noun
  • More than 73,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilian and militant deaths, including more than 1,000 killed since the beginning of the latest ceasefire.
    — Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Johnson Products Company — which would later go on to manufacture Ultra Sheen, Classy Curl, Curly Perm and men’s cologne line Black Tie — was made from humble beginnings, grit and a revolutionary product idea.
    — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • But the rally ended when Hernández’s liner up the middle landed in the glove of Rockies right-hander Jimmy Herget, who just entered the game, catching Kyle Tucker off first base for a double play.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Robbie Ray threw six efficient innings after regrouping from a fall while covering first base, Willy Adames hit a two-run double as part of a four-run opening frame and the San Francisco Giants beat the Colorado Rockies 6-4 on Saturday night.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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