as in dipping
to sink or push (something) briefly into or as if into a liquid
dunking a doughnut in one's morning coffee
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Recent Examples of dunking
Known for his athleticism, Christian also has become a force dunking off lobs.
—
Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
For those willing to go a step further, try dunking your face in a bowl of ice water.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Be sure to have plenty of maple syrup for plenty of dunking.
—Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
Cold water is another option—dunking your face into a bowl of it triggers the mammalian dive reflex, a physiological response that slows the heart rate and interrupts the body’s stress response.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 10 Apr. 2026
Johansson scores his 200th On a tremendous play by Boldy to fend off Brandon Montour and spin for a backdoor pass, Johansson snapped an eight-game goal drought by slam-dunking his 200th goal.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
On the side, there’s a cup of mushroom stock fortified with soy sauce, molasses, rosemary and a touch of cayenne pepper for dunking.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
San Antonio led by as many as 28 during a dominant first-half performance that featured a highlight-worthy play with Castle dunking off a behind-the-back pass from Wembanyama.
—ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Soon, people are dunking his head into a series of punch bowls.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2026
Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
For those willing to go a step further, try dunking your face in a bowl of ice water.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Be sure to have plenty of maple syrup for plenty of dunking.
—Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
Cold water is another option—dunking your face into a bowl of it triggers the mammalian dive reflex, a physiological response that slows the heart rate and interrupts the body’s stress response.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 10 Apr. 2026
Johansson scores his 200th On a tremendous play by Boldy to fend off Brandon Montour and spin for a backdoor pass, Johansson snapped an eight-game goal drought by slam-dunking his 200th goal.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
On the side, there’s a cup of mushroom stock fortified with soy sauce, molasses, rosemary and a touch of cayenne pepper for dunking.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
San Antonio led by as many as 28 during a dominant first-half performance that featured a highlight-worthy play with Castle dunking off a behind-the-back pass from Wembanyama.
—ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Soon, people are dunking his head into a series of punch bowls.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dunking
Verb
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The strength of that belief has fluctuated, dipping sharply after their March defeat by City before rising again in recent weeks.—
Ayo Akinwolere,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
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Home values have a habit of falling just when your job security may be dipping, too.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
Verb
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As in previous seasons, the production is expected to fully or partially buy out its hotel locations while immersing itself deeply in the surrounding destination.—
Melinda Sheckells,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
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West is great at immersing us in the atmosphere and mores of the 1800s, in which Elswyth can’t find the time to use her skills in botany (she’s been accepted at Oxford) because her real job is finding someone to support her and her family.—
Chris Hewitt,
Boston Herald,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dunking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dunking. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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