sparring partner

[spahr-ing pahrt-ner] / ˈspɑr ɪŋ ˌpɑrt nər /

NOUN

practice partner

Synonyms

WEAK

boxer palooka second sparring mate

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.

So use it as a sparring partner, not a ghostwriter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

How funny that the sitcom even featured an amalgamation of Kelly and all of her bad-faith compatriots in Leslie’s frequent sparring partner, local telejournalist Joan Callamezzo.

From Salon • Jan. 16, 2026

The six-part series, titled The Trip to the Northern Lights, reunites Brydon with long-time sparring partner Steve Coogan for their first Trip together in more than five years.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

The boxer is a sparring partner for Marian, who works out her aggression in the ring.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2025

The Test was fairly simple: they were each given a sparring partner, and if they won their duel, they needn’t worry about being eliminated.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas