sparring partner
noun
1
: someone who helps a boxer practice : someone a boxer spars with for training
2
: a person that someone has serious but friendly arguments with
They have been political sparring partners for years.
Examples of sparring partner in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The other standout is Silambarasan, who makes a fine sparring partner for Haasan.
—
Anupama Chopra, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
Rupert Friend is a fantastic addition to the cast as a sparring partner for Lily James, in this tense three-hander.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
In a series-regular role, Looker has been cast as Dustin, Elle’s classmate and sparring partner who cares about social justice and isn’t afraid to challenge authority.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
Most episodes end with the guest star of the week being carted off to jail, but this is a very final and bloody end to Elsbeth’s sparring partner in Crawford.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025
Some of our strategists even use AI as a kind of sparring partner—testing ideas, identifying blind spots and refining their approach.
—Abbey Klaassen, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Co-lead Shannon O’Boyle’s Sheila makes for Holmes’ formidable sparring partner.
—Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2025
In our quest to become better thinkers, creators and human beings, AI can act as both a creative sparring partner and an objective coach that challenges us to push the boundaries of our cushy comfort zones.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
His sparring partner, Jamie Carragher, played for Liverpool.
—Rory Smith, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
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Anupama Chopra, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
Rupert Friend is a fantastic addition to the cast as a sparring partner for Lily James, in this tense three-hander.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
In a series-regular role, Looker has been cast as Dustin, Elle’s classmate and sparring partner who cares about social justice and isn’t afraid to challenge authority.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
Most episodes end with the guest star of the week being carted off to jail, but this is a very final and bloody end to Elsbeth’s sparring partner in Crawford.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025
Some of our strategists even use AI as a kind of sparring partner—testing ideas, identifying blind spots and refining their approach.
—Abbey Klaassen, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Co-lead Shannon O’Boyle’s Sheila makes for Holmes’ formidable sparring partner.
—Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2025
In our quest to become better thinkers, creators and human beings, AI can act as both a creative sparring partner and an objective coach that challenges us to push the boundaries of our cushy comfort zones.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
His sparring partner, Jamie Carragher, played for Liverpool.
—Rory Smith, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sparring partner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sparring%20partner. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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