sparring partner
noun
1
: someone who helps a boxer practice : someone a boxer spars with for training
2
: a person that someone has serious but friendly arguments with
They have been political sparring partners for years.
Examples of sparring partner in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Co-lead Shannon O’Boyle’s Sheila makes for Holmes’ formidable sparring partner.
—
Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2025
In our quest to become better thinkers, creators and human beings, AI can act as both a creative sparring partner and an objective coach that challenges us to push the boundaries of our cushy comfort zones.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
His sparring partner, Jamie Carragher, played for Liverpool.
—Rory Smith, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
Not a sparring partner, [but] a working partner in President Trump during those years.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025
In return, Adrian — passionate about boxing — had Michael as a sparring partner.
—Colin Millar, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Stan has been candid about not finding a sparring partner for the publication’s viral program.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Jan. 2025
Spurs have become that kickboxing sparring partner who gives you a rest from the snipers on the mat.
—Phil Hay, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
That didn’t sit well with Newsom, a frequent Musk sparring partner and occasional political candidate himself.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 16 Aug. 2024
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Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2025
In our quest to become better thinkers, creators and human beings, AI can act as both a creative sparring partner and an objective coach that challenges us to push the boundaries of our cushy comfort zones.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
His sparring partner, Jamie Carragher, played for Liverpool.
—Rory Smith, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
Not a sparring partner, [but] a working partner in President Trump during those years.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025
In return, Adrian — passionate about boxing — had Michael as a sparring partner.
—Colin Millar, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Stan has been candid about not finding a sparring partner for the publication’s viral program.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Jan. 2025
Spurs have become that kickboxing sparring partner who gives you a rest from the snipers on the mat.
—Phil Hay, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
That didn’t sit well with Newsom, a frequent Musk sparring partner and occasional political candidate himself.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 16 Aug. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Sparring partner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sparring%20partner. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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