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.

“People are now using AI as a sparring partner, rather than just the internet as a research tool.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Francesca pleaded with Mick to let her box and, aged 11, found her moment when a girl in a gym needed a sparring partner.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 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 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