sparring

verbfight
verbscrap

Synonyms for sparring

verb fight

Antonyms for sparring

fighting

adjective. aggressive, warlike

Word Origin & History

"stout pole," c.1300, "rafter," from Middle Low German or Middle Dutch sparre, from Proto-Germanic *sparron (cf. Old English *spere "spear, lance," Old Norse sperra "rafter, beam"), from PIE root *sper- "spear, pole" (see spear (n.1)). Nautical use dates from 1640. Also borrowed in Old French as esparre, which may have been the direct source of the English word.

Example Sentences for sparring

Could it be, I asked myself, that they were sparring for the possession of me?

They circled, facing each other like sparring gamecocks of a giant variety.

He plied his companions with questions, sparring for more time.

"'Twas this way," said Mr. Hennessy, sparring at Mr. Dooley.

Then she has to while away several hours (or days) sparring herself off.

It was Douglas, too, who began the sparring for a political advantage.

A fellow had to fight those days, no sparring, no pretty footwork.

What's the good of sparring with your man when you've got to find where the play's coming?

Both looked their best; as, when sparring, men always do look.

Well, for one thing, it teaches them the value of sparring.'

sparring

Synonyms for sparring

Antonyms for sparring

More words related to sparring

boxing

fighting