shad·ow·box
ˈsha-dō-ˌbäks 
-də-ˌbäks
shadowboxed; shadowboxing; shadowboxes
: to box with an imaginary opponent especially as a form of training
: a shallow enclosing case usually with a glass front in which something is set for protection and display
Examples of shadowbox in a Sentence
Verb
He was shadowboxing to stay in shape.
Recent Examples on the Web
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 11 July 2025
But both Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum are shadowboxing, pulling back from direct conflict between the two $2 trillion economies inextricably linked to — and forced to negotiate with — the $30 trillion behemoth.
—Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 7 Dec. 2024
Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Past stage shows by Ross have included levitation, shadow box, fire spiker and double saw magic acts as well as interactive audience participation segments.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shadowbox
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Verb
Rubio and Wang have been shadowboxing during the two-day ASEAN meeting, with each touting the benefits of their partnership to Southeast Asian nations.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 11 July 2025
But both Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum are shadowboxing, pulling back from direct conflict between the two $2 trillion economies inextricably linked to — and forced to negotiate with — the $30 trillion behemoth.
—Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
The new appearance, which 40 locations have received as of May, according to The Wall Street Journal, has a fresh coat of white paint on the walls, modern light fixtures and antiques organized into shadow boxes.
—Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Past stage shows by Ross have included levitation, shadow box, fire spiker and double saw magic acts as well as interactive audience participation segments.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shadowbox
Cite this Entry
“Shadowbox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shadowbox. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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shadowbox
verb
shad·ow·box
ˈshad-ō-ˌbäks
: to box with an imaginary opponent as a form of training
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