sparring

present participle of spar

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparring
Verb
  • The Washington Post took a look at how the designation risks boxing the US out of Syria’s recovery.
    Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 8 July 2026
  • Instead of scoring points, Richard was more focused on making the right defensive rotation, making passes and boxing out.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • At the same hearing in May, Cooper answered another question the way Hegseth might have—by punching back.
    Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
  • Video of the incident shows two officers struggling with the woman, with one of them punching her in the head before taking her to the ground.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 8 July 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 15 Jul. 2026.

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