as in entertaining
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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.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dabbling
Miami Herald,
20 May 2026
The lifelong friends paired up with director Louis Malle after playwright Gregory’s stint in Europe, staging experimental theater and dabbling in New Age communities (and near-death experiences).
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Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
11 May 2026
Throughout her childhood and into high school, Connors loved dabbling in songwriting, often trying her hand at songs about friendship and, later, her tumultuous high school breakup.
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Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
For now, there are no other concrete details about the follow-up to 2025’s Phantom Island, which found Gizzard dabbling in heavy orchestration for the first time.
—
Spin Staff,
SPIN,
24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dabbling
Verb
After dabbling in musical theater at Florida Atlantic University, film eventually became his calling.
—
Miami Herald,
20 May 2026
The lifelong friends paired up with director Louis Malle after playwright Gregory’s stint in Europe, staging experimental theater and dabbling in New Age communities (and near-death experiences).
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
11 May 2026
Throughout her childhood and into high school, Connors loved dabbling in songwriting, often trying her hand at songs about friendship and, later, her tumultuous high school breakup.
—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
For now, there are no other concrete details about the follow-up to 2025’s Phantom Island, which found Gizzard dabbling in heavy orchestration for the first time.
—
Spin Staff,
SPIN,
24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dabbling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dabbling
Adjective
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New reads abound for your vacation tote throughout the weeks of July, with fiction picks featuring a Carnival cruise casualty, a highly entertaining jewel heist at the Waldorf-Astoria, and a Soviet-era madcap adventure.
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And that’s the question that underlies much of what’s onscreen in this perplexing, entertaining, frustrating picture.
Verb
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The Dutch were the neutral’s favourites throughout World Cup 1974, their Total Football taking the game to a new level, and delighting supporters with their fluidity, high defensive line and commitment to keep on attacking.
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The last two songs ended in all-out thrash conflagrations, delighting the slam-dancers at the center of the floor.
Adjective
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Margaret, what the president said is just goofy word salad.
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As Buffy’s bafoonish brother, Dave Sheridan played an unlikely killer (though Doofy GIlmore ends up being far less goofy than originally expected).
Verb
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Win prizes playing interactive games, network with artists and entrepreneurs and enjoy signature drinks and bar snacks available for purchase.
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Men leaders can pay attention to and be mindful of who in the workplace may be playing more of an emotional support role that falls outside their job description.
Adjective
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The camp blends fun dance instruction with bold characters, exciting music and imaginative storytelling.
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Newer spaces like Salted Melon, The Craic and Laurel Park offer fresh takes with a relaxed feel and fun patio spaces, while mainstays like Rhino Market and Arthur’s fill up with longtime fans.
Verb
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The podcast added its own layer of lighthearted commentary, signaling that even those closest to the Kelce family found the coverage amusing rather than newsworthy.
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The podcast, which has become a cultural touchstone in its own right, signaled that even those closest to the Kelce family found the coverage amusing rather than newsworthy.
Adjective
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The decision followed the Columbia Association's ethics panel concluding that Greenberg, Emery, and Avery filed a frivolous ethics complaint.
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Her attorneys argued that the fee award would help to deter frivolous and retaliatory suits against accusers in the future.
Verb
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But that still left the less-than-trifling matter of the second tier’s title to settle, as the teams were locked together on 97 points with one game still to play.
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The rise may seem trifling, but staffers work long hours, and a caffeine budget is a necessity.
Cite this Entry
“Dabbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dabbling. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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