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

Barnett was also Bill Clinton’s debate sparring partner during the 1992 presidential campaign.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2025

Especially at the start of 2023, when she was shooting “Anyone But You” in Australia alongside Powell, who was always her first choice as her romantic comedy sparring partner.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 20, 2023

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