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
  • The setup takes an API key configured as a request header, which is the same pattern used across professional developer tools, giving technical teams full control from day one.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Pros Earns a competitive APY with no minimum balance required to earn the full rate, so your money works hard from day one.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 12 Aug. 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 Food and Drug Administration called out iceberg lettuce processed at a Taylor Farms facility in central Mexico as the likely ground zero for the waterborne parasite's recent spread.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The public spotlight on what happened may have grown less intense, but the attention will again be turned to ground zero as people gather to read names and remember.
    — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of ground zero
Noun
  • Unlike 12 years ago, predation isn’t centred on a minority; 11 different Premier League clubs have lost players to the ‘Big Six’ since the beginning of last summer.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • At the beginning of the year, some volunteers within Coppell ISD went door-to-door to recruit and keep students in public education.
    — Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • Playing right field rather than first base may make that goal more challenging.
    — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Matt Chapman #26 of the San Francisco Giants grounds out to first base in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on August 29, 2024 in Milwaukee.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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