sparring match

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Earlier this month, Musk said on X that he planned to take legal action against Apple, causing a sparring match on the social media platform between him and OpenAI’s Altman.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2025

Over the weekend, he posted a long message complaining that the New York Times was planning to report that he’d gotten roughed up, injuring his shoulder, in a sparring match with an agency jujitsu instructor.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2025

The English-language TV debate is usually the most widely watched political sparring match on Canada's federal campaign election calendar.

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2021

Boxer Muhammad Ali visited in 1976 and engaged Mr. Jacomo in a friendly sparring match; the manager later called it “the biggest thrill of my life.”

From Washington Post • Mar. 7, 2020

"The two duchesses," writes the Ferrarese ambassador, on the 28th of April, "have been having a sparring match, and the Duke of Bari's wife has knocked down her of Milan."

From Beatrice d'Este, Duchess of Milan, 1475-1497 by Ady, Julia Mary Cartwright