as in entertaining
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in delighting
to take part in an activity in a superficial way
She dabbled in drawing and painting but sculpture was her favorite medium.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dabbling
Victor Mather, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024
In the movie from director Tim Burton, Johnny Depp starred as Ichabod, now a constable dabbling in early forensic science tasked by the New York police with investigating a series of murders in an upstate Dutch town.
—Stacy Lambe, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
Kit is also dabbling in makeup after watching her famous mom spend so many days and nights in a glam chair, getting ready for red carpets and events.
—Hedy Phillips, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024
When dabbling with fuller cuts, a fabric that’s too stiff risks veering into less desirable territory; with a softer fabric, the suit will drape and keep from looking simply oversized.
—Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dabbling 
Verb
After dabbling in boxing, Carty turned his focus to baseball and soon attracted the attention of major league scouts as a catcher.
—Victor Mather, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024
In the movie from director Tim Burton, Johnny Depp starred as Ichabod, now a constable dabbling in early forensic science tasked by the New York police with investigating a series of murders in an upstate Dutch town.
—Stacy Lambe, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
Kit is also dabbling in makeup after watching her famous mom spend so many days and nights in a glam chair, getting ready for red carpets and events.
—Hedy Phillips, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024
When dabbling with fuller cuts, a fabric that’s too stiff risks veering into less desirable territory; with a softer fabric, the suit will drape and keep from looking simply oversized.
—Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dabbling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dabbling
Adjective
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Springwood Caning Sideboard Those who love entertaining should check out this sideboard.—
Shea Simmons,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Feb. 2025
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Now in its third season, The Traitors is still as entertaining as ever, but in an unexpected, crash out kind of way.—
Alex Abad-Santos,
Vox,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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As his goofy face is soon detached from the rest of his body and tossed around the room like a hot potato, blood spraying in all directions, the class is left traumatized and Mr. Bunting’s dismissal suddenly starts to feel slightly warranted.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
11 Feb. 2025
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The premise: Jim (Will Ferrell) is a goofy widowed dad whose daughter Jenni (Geraldine Viswanathan) has gotten engaged; Margot (Reese Witherspoon) is an uptight businesswoman whose younger sister Neve (Meredith Hagner) has gotten engaged.—
Moira MacDonald / Seattle Times,
Twin Cities,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Further factions emerge from there, as people start playing the game within the Squid Game, forming pockets of friendships and alliances, real and fake.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
26 Dec. 2024
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The World Junior tournament is always good for some surprises; a couple of unexpected players emerging as top scorers or playing well in big moments, or a traditional top nation getting upset in the medal round.—
Corey Pronman,
The Athletic,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Always Booked is a super fun new podcast that also does events with small businesses around town.—
American Booksellers Association,
USA TODAY,
9 Feb. 2025
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Snag them in classic black or pick up a more fun color to stand out on the slopes, like dusty rose or bright red.—
Hannah Freedman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Zoom out: The new Trump administration is on the warpath against what officials say is frivolous government spending, with Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leading the charge.—
Erin Doherty,
Axios,
3 Feb. 2025
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Joyful or life-affirming activities (say, hobbies like painting or baking) or things that lift your spirits (such as exercise or meditation) might seem frivolous in the face of pressing caregiver responsibilities.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Among the speakers were several coaches, including Evan Chalmers, who provided a variety of amusing quips and tales about his Laguna Beach High classmate and multiple-sports teammate.—
Richard Dunn,
Orange County Register,
6 Feb. 2025
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In another amusing shot, Tallulah wears a tank top emblazoned with a photo of her father's face in his younger days.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Today, Sophia Smith, a Colorado kid whose commute from Windsor and dedication to soccer makes my story look silly, is making more than $500,000 a year in her new contract with the Portland Thorns, and reports say her outside contracts and sponsorships are worth another $1.2 million.—
Megan Schrader,
The Denver Post,
9 Feb. 2025
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The way bacon is packaged in this country is silly.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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And yet the movie’s insularity feels trifling and empty.—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Feb. 2024
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The cost to find these answers, even in the near term, is relatively trifling.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
30 Oct. 2023
Thesaurus Entries Near dabbling
Cite this Entry
“Dabbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dabbling. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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