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.

He has spent much of that time sparring with contractors over progress ramping up output and how they’re investing their money.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

After all that verbal sparring, promoter Frank Warren restored a little order.

From BBC • Feb. 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

We did an hour of exercise, some combination of roadwork, skipping rope, calisthenics, or shadow boxing, followed by fifteen minutes of body work, some weight lifting and then sparring.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela