Phrase guide

square off

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To get ready for a confrontation (debate, argument, fight).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Canada, US

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: square up

Antonyms: stand down

2

verb

Meaning 2

To increase the boxiness of (a design).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Qualifier: industrial design

Examples

  • After the aeronautically inspired curvaceous designs of the 1930s and 1940s, many American automotive designs of the 1950s through 1970s were somewhat more squared off.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: round off

3

verb

Meaning 3

settle conclusively; come to terms

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • We finally settled the argument

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: settle, square up, determine

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: conclude, resolve

Narrower terms: clear, solve, concert, clinch, compromise

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.