sparring

verb

present participle of spar
as in boxing

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparring
  1. boxing
  2. punching
Verb
  • Later, Young tossed a jump-ball to wideout Brycen Tremayne in the end zone with cornerback Corey Thornton boxing him out.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026
  • Spence announced his retirement from boxing during the post-fight interview.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of boxing
Verb
  • Background on the case On May 30, Shelby Police Officer Karson Hyder was captured repeatedly punching 34-year-old Cherie Moore during an arrest.
    — Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • Salgado is accused of approaching the man, taunting him to start a fight and punching him in the face, police said.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
Definition of punching
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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sparred
sparring
spars
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Cite this Entry

“Sparring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparring. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sparring

Nglish: Translation of sparring for Spanish Speakers

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