square off

verb

squared off; squaring off; squares off

intransitive verb

: to take a fighting stance : prepare to fight
also : fight

Examples of square off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will square off against each other for a third time. Peter White, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025 While hitting his share of big baskets, Doncic – who squared off with the Clippers in three first-round playoff series as a Dallas Maverick – showcased his fiery spirit as well. Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 2 Mar. 2025 The two teams will square off at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025 The two superstars announced this week that their months-long back-and-forth, which began after the 2024 Paris Olympics, will finally be put to the test when the two square off in a race to determine who really is the fastest. Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for square off

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of square off was in 1837

Cite this Entry

“Square off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/square%20off. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!