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
  • Novelty is also being rewarded, and that is something Abundantia has factored in from the beginning.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The cutting edge facade is just the beginning of the sophisticated design of the hotel, both inside and out.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • As his 406-foot shot cleared the wall in right-center field, the three-time All-Star turned to face the Brewers dugout and celebrated in front of teammates on his way to first base.
    — Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Paredes could’ve played first base, but at the expense of Christian Walker, who would’ve been earning $20 million in a part-time role.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 1 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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