spar

verb

Definition of sparnext
as in to box

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of spar Others to spar with Fantano over his album scores over the years include Logic, Lil Xan, Post Malone, Ronnie Radke, Wale, MGK, Yung Lean, Lil Yachty, Killer Mike, and Tyler, the Creator. — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 President Theodore Roosevelt had been a boxer at Harvard and would occasionally spar at the White House. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026 On Thursday, supporters of both Anthony and Metcalf sparring in a shouting match outside the courthouse, holding signs, yelling profanities and antagonizing each other. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2026 Commissioners also sparred with residents during public comment over other complaints about the plan, especially the use of artificial turf. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spar
  1. box
  2. punch
  3. brawl
  4. hit
  5. slug
Verb
  • If, as Jimmy Connors has said, tennis is boxing at ninety feet—a lonely battle of wills that punishes the slightest lapse in concentration—Eala’s southpaw forehand drives resemble Pacquiao’s blazing left hooks.
    — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Leite was facing the basket and trying to box out Reese, who was directly behind her.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of box
Verb
  • James showed excellent vision and punch, and paired with Kaelon Black and Christian McCaffrey, the Niners should have three worthwhile, trustworthy backs this season.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Ross doesn’t tend towards punch-the-air climaxes—just warm, excitable builds.
    — Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of punch
Verb
  • The teams brawled on the outside for minutes, but the chants started up again.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Well, maybe everyone except for the fans escorted out of the right-field bleachers after brawling, another clip that went viral on social media.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of brawl
Verb
  • Throw it on over a swimsuit before hitting the beach, or accessorize it with a belt and some sunnies for a laid-back, yet polished, ensemble.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The American military undertook fresh strikes against Iran, hitting air defense and radar system targets.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of hit
Verb
  • Friday marked their first loss when slugging that many homers since June 25, 2025, also against the Mariners.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
  • García, who led the National League in slugging before getting traded, now has 25 homers on the season.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of slug

Browse Nearby Words

spans
spar
spare
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Cite this Entry

“Spar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spar. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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