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.

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

The lightweights have been sparring from a distance since Tsarukyan was overlooked for the interim title shot, despite being ranked number one in the division.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

And the sparring of two energy heavyweights is likely to upend markets and investments, not to mention disrupt the plans of a U.S. president who considers both nations key partners in commerce and diplomacy.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

Compared to her sparring practice with Hazel, the strike was ridiculously slow.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan