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
  • Give it two to three weeks before judging results, and don’t abandon your regular deodorant on day one.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Here, members of Forbes Business Council share one step businesses should take before launching an e-commerce platform to create a clear, seamless customer experience from day one.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 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
  • The operation may now be down to 36 spots and deep dish may not be the preferred style of locals who like to be contrarian, but the Pizzeria Uno on Ohio Street remains ground zero for a Chicago cultural phenomenon.
    — Edward Robert McClelland, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of ground zero
Noun
  • So, Ohtani kept trying to work his way back to the mound for weeks after receiving a lubricating Orthovisc injection in his knee at the beginning of the All-Star break.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The October introduction marks the beginning of a broader evolution for Lune+Aster, with additional innovation planned across complexion, eye and lip categories through 2027.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • Joey Ortiz then grounded into what would have been a double play, had the Brewers not started Lara from first base.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • But Goldschmidt, still looking for a championship, was one of three Yankees who were restricted to first base or DH this year, joining García and Ben Rice.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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