Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for sparring.
Definitions

sparring

[spahr-ing] / ˈspɑr ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
fighting
Synonyms
STRONG
battling belligerent boxing brawling contending determined fencing hostile jousting martial militant skirmishing tilting warmongering wrestling
WEAK
angry argumentative bellicose combative contentious disputatious disputative ferocious hawkish jingoistic militaristic pugnacious quarrelsome ready to fight resolute scrappy truculent unbeatable under arms up in arms
Antonyms
STRONG
kind nice peaceful
WEAK
peaceloving
NOUN
boxing
Synonyms
STRONG
battle mill prelim prizefighting pugilism slugfest
WEAK
glove game the ring

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.

Still, the archbishop is hopeful that the sparring will blow over.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

So use it as a sparring partner, not a ghostwriter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

His sparring with the president appears to be part of an aggressive strategy to amplify his own messaging as he weighs a potential run for president in 2028.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

"You know the rules, boy. No sparring unless the boss or me is watching. He's not here, and I ain't got time."

From "The Contender" by Robert Lipsyte