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
  • On day one in 2026, charter schools had 85,473 students enrolled and 79,633 students in attendance, down from 86,913 enrolled and 81,207 in attendance the prior academic year.
    — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • September is living up to its infamous reputation , at least on day one.
    — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 1 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
  • This comes after several school districts including the Sarasota County School Board, once ground zero for culture war issue disputes, are likely to experience a shift in political leaning come the general election.
    — Trinity Webster-Bass, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Yet Lamb and Well are primarily interested in how a once tiny Hollywood bar on McCadden Place became ground zero for a movement that over the decades has regularly come in and out of popularity.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of ground zero
Noun
  • The question that matters most A famous name should be the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it.
    — Jason St. Angelo, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The new findings indicate that last year’s increases were a momentary surge, rather than the beginning of a positive trend.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • The Red Sox were not holding Chisholm on first base, which normally means the defending team is indifferent to the offensive team taking the next base.
    — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Drew Romo became the team’s first base runner with a two-out single to right field in the sixth against Twins starter Zebby Matthews.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 30 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 Sep. 2026.

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