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
  • The singer recently put out her eighth studio album, Popstar, to much critical acclaim and fanfare online, as her day one fans are taking a victory lap on social media.
    — Angel Diaz, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The insoles have built-in arch support with memory foam footbeds, and they’re designed to hug your feet for a snug fit that feels broken in from day one.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 29 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
  • In Europe, multiethnic capitals are pilloried by the far right as demographic time bombs, ground zero for invasions of unwanted foreigners.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Based on interviews with 10current and former Goddard workers, as well as several independent space policy experts, Goddard is ground zero for these sweeping changes.
    — Eric Niiler, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of ground zero
Noun
  • Success can also open the door to sequels and franchises, although Balmaceda said those opportunities don’t necessarily have to be engineered from the beginning.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The early 1970s saw the tide of the conflict shift, with many analysts pinpointing 1972 as the beginning of the second stage of the war.
    — Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • Witt bobbled a groundball as Jo Adell reached first base to begin the frame.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Royce Lewis hit a tying, two-run single in the second inning, and Ryan Kreidler brought home the go-ahead run with a safety squeeze bunt that turned into a single when nobody covered first base.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of first base

Browse Nearby Words

square (off)
square one
square ones
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Square one.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/square%20one. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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