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
  • And unlike day one of last season, which saw offensive lineman Bayron Matos get airlifted to a local hospital and cornerback Artie Burns suffer a significant knee injury, the Dolphins emerged healthy.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • On day one, gates drew festival-goers rushing in amid tight security, warm weather, and the large crowds the four-day festival is expected to bring.
    — Tara Molina, CBS News, 30 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
  • Sanders is nonetheless arriving in Michigan with national Democrats more determined than ever to steer the party in a more pragmatic direction, effectively making the state ground zero for a proxy fight over progressive politics.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026
  • At the time, school board meetings nationwide were ground zero for culture war battles over LGBTQ policies, wearing masks and book bans.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Definition of ground zero
Noun
  • Her exit follows the resignations last week of acting Chief Financial Officer Steve Mahr and Deputy CFO Noor Shaikh in June — coming after CFO Jill Jaworski departed at the beginning of this year.
    — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • For Jed Hoyer, trading Triple-A outfielder Brett Bateman and Class-A infielder Ty Southisene in Sunday night’s deal with the Blue Jays was only the beginning of a buying spree.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • The Dodgers trailed the Yankees 5-0 and were being one-hit by Gerrit Cole in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series before Aaron Judge failed to catch a routine flyball and Cole forgot to cover first base.
    — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Bryce Harper, standing near first base, fielded grounders and flipped them to interim manager Don Mattingly.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 4 Aug. 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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