sparring

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.

The lightweight rivals have been sparring from afar since Harper won the WBO belt in September 2024.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

Rather, as Gerri Kimber explains in “Katherine Mansfield: A Hidden Life,” they would be known as literary sparring partners, both engaged in the high-stakes project of forging a new modernist literature.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 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

As with the comments that inspired the meme, Wickline played Tamara as someone who refused to reveal why they’re collecting a button a day, sparring defensively with “Update” co-host Michael Che.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2026

Ugwu felt better; this was the sparring he was used to.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie