as in to delight
to take part in an activity in a superficial way
She dabbled in drawing and painting but sculpture was her favorite medium.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of dabble
Brown, a running back, was USC’s primary kick returner as a freshman and dabbled in the return game at Arizona State last season.
—
David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
Whereas Safdie and Anderson stayed on one speed throughout, Coogler experimented with and dabbled in tempo and covered so many innovative subjects — music, horror, history, civil rights, comedy and more.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
After her first son was born, the new mom tiptoed back into the workplace, even dabbling in radio.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
Many of Minnesota's large health care institutions have relied on telemedicine and only dabbled in home care.
—Kate Wells, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dabble
David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
Whereas Safdie and Anderson stayed on one speed throughout, Coogler experimented with and dabbled in tempo and covered so many innovative subjects — music, horror, history, civil rights, comedy and more.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
After her first son was born, the new mom tiptoed back into the workplace, even dabbling in radio.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
Many of Minnesota's large health care institutions have relied on telemedicine and only dabbled in home care.
—Kate Wells, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dabble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dabble
Verb
-
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Clara Moskowitz,
Scientific American,
17 Mar. 2026
-
This contemporary, topical story touches on many current hot button issues while delighting audiences with memorable songs and explosive dances.—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
There are games galore to keep children entertained, plus a fabulous kid’s den on the top floor of the house with a huge TV and bed-like sofas.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The second quarter is where the Pistons stopped entertaining the idea of another scare.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Herro and Powell, who are the Heat’s two leading scorers this season, entered Tuesday with just 173 minutes played together this season.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Kings coach Doug Christie said Westbrook also ranks among the very best point guards to ever play the game.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Scheffler was thoroughly amused and looked to be in good spirits heading into Sunday.—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Chinese-speaking netizens were amused by the story, and in particular the absurd display of cops escorting the diminutive android.—
Frank Landymore,
Futurism,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This crowd-favorite combination is sure to please adults and children alike at your holiday gathering.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Lasagna never fails to please, but its preparation — and storage of leftovers — can be a hassle.—
Gretchen McKay,
Boston Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dabble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dabble. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
