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
  • The behavior of a suspect in the murders of two University of South Florida students from Bangladesh worsened over time from marijuana use, family members told deputies after his arrest three years ago for punching his brother in the face and kicking his mother in the back.
    Mike Schneider, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Ryan said Horner later confessed to punching and kicking the child in the head.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 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 5 May. 2026.

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