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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2025

William Roache was soon cast as Ken for the beginning of the soap and became a regular sparring partner for Dennis.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2025

Sure enough, my PB&J comes out of the bag looking like a sumo wrestler used it as a sparring partner.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell