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 move came less than a week before the inauguration of President Trump, who was O’Donnell’s sparring partner and nemesis long before he was first elected.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2025

Wolff praised Allison's commitment to Mercedes and said he had been a "key ally and sparring partner" for him personally.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2024

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