Meaning & use
square off
To take up a challenging stance facing an opponent, preparing to fight, argue, or compete.
See it in a sentence
The two boxers squared off in the center of the ring before the opening bell.
The rival candidates will square off in a televised debate next week.
A note on using this word
Square off is used both literally, for physical confrontation, and figuratively, for competitions like debates or elections.
Words with a similar meaning
face offconfront
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
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