sparring

Definition of sparringnext
present participle of spar
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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparring
Verb
  • The verbal jousting restarted as public members sought to take the reins of these working groups before federal members cut in to suggest that public members were boxing federal members out of any leadership position.
    O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Rock Steady Boxing by MAPS is about more than just boxing.
    Mary Eber, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Lee was arrested April 3 in the 9300 block of Cicero Avenue after punching a man at a nearby gas station, police said.
    Dennis Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
  • Nilan and Miller spent a lot of those minutes punching each other, Nilan as a Canadien and Miller as a Bruin, during the 1980s iteration of the ancient rivalry.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Sparring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparring. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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