SPARRING MATCH Synonyms

• (sports) a division of a game during which one team is on the offensive

• a period of illness

• a contest or fight (especially between boxers or wrestlers)

• an occasion for excessive eating or drinking

• a loud resonant repeating noise

• a state of conflict between persons

• a state of conflict between colors

• a minor short-term fight

• crash together with violent impact

• be incompatible; be or come into conflict

• disagree violently

• an engagement fought between two military forces

• the act of fighting; any contest or struggle

• battle or contend against in or as if in a battle

• an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)

• opposition between two simultaneous but incompatible feelings

• a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

• a state of opposition between persons or ideas or interests

• an incompatibility of dates or events

• opposition in a work of drama or fiction between characters or forces (especially an opposition that motivates the development of the plot)

• a disagreement or argument about something important

• be in conflict

• go against, as of rules and laws

• an occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants

• a struggle between rivals

• to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation

• a prearranged fight with deadly weapons by two people (accompanied by seconds) in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honor

• any struggle between two skillful opponents (individuals or groups)

• fight a duel, as over one's honor or a woman

• a minor short-term fight

• a casual or unexpected convergence

• a casual meeting with a person or thing

• a hostile disagreement face-to-face

• come together

• come upon, as if by accident; meet with

• be beset by

• experience as a reaction

• contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle

• a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

• the act of fighting; any contest or struggle

• an aggressive willingness to compete

• an intense verbal dispute

• a boxing or wrestling match

• be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

• fight against or resist strongly

• make a strenuous or labored effort

• exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for

• a minor short-term fight

• engage in a skirmish