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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Labor and religious leaders square off over City Hall’s affordable housing rules. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024 There are now ten fins rather than eight which have been neatly squared off. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 The two teams are set to square off in two more games scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 17, and Friday, Oct. 18, and three more possible games on Saturday, Oct. 19, Monday, Oct. 21 and Tuesday, Oct. 22. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024 Another week, another high-stakes football game in Class 6A. Manual (5-1) and host St. Xavier (4-2) are scheduled to square off beginning at 7 tonight. Rich Barak, The Courier-Journal, 11 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near square off

Cite this Entry

“Square off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/square%20off. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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