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
Sade Adu dabbled in film in 1986, acting alongside David Bowie in the musical Absolute Beginners, before returning to the studio for the band’s third album.
—
Al Shipley,
SPIN,
30 June 2026
And England have dabbled in the foreign market before with Sweden’s Sven-Goran Eriksson at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, and Italy’s Fabio Capello in the 2010 edition.
—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
28 June 2026
This isn’t the first time the chain has dabbled in Ranch sauce.
—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
24 June 2026
Erin Keating, an executive analyst for Cox Automotive, said in an interview with USA TODAY that the statistics show why online retailers like Carvana may think now is time to dabble in the brick-and-mortar side of the car sales business.
—
Keith Laing,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dabble
Al Shipley,
SPIN,
30 June 2026
And England have dabbled in the foreign market before with Sweden’s Sven-Goran Eriksson at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, and Italy’s Fabio Capello in the 2010 edition.
—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
28 June 2026
This isn’t the first time the chain has dabbled in Ranch sauce.
—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
24 June 2026
Erin Keating, an executive analyst for Cox Automotive, said in an interview with USA TODAY that the statistics show why online retailers like Carvana may think now is time to dabble in the brick-and-mortar side of the car sales business.
—
Keith Laing,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dabble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dabble
Verb
-
This lighthearted cameo delighted longtime fans and underscored that, while the late-night institution has closed, Colbert himself isn't disappearing from the spotlight anytime soon.
-
On the final day of Pride Month, here’s one final bonkers gay story to delight and amaze you.
Verb
-
Even now at more than 50 years old, there is something undeniable about the movie’s ability to entertain, delight and terrify an audience.
-
The on-site Children’s Garden adds to its appeal, with interactive features that keep younger visitors entertained for hours.
Verb
-
Win prizes playing interactive games, network with artists and entrepreneurs and enjoy signature drinks and bar snacks available for purchase.
-
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.
Verb
-
But even in hard times, there are things to amuse us.
-
In the hour-long special, taped the Skirball in New York City in March, Barone aims to shock, amuse, and arouse.
Verb
-
Making price info less accessible The order to be voted on later this month includes a few other changes that will please ISPs and their lobby groups.
-
Oviedo residents turned out by the hundreds for the sunny afternoon of crowd-pleasing contests and down-home edibles at tiny booths lining a grassy lot next to the Meat World parking lot.
Cite this Entry
“Dabble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dabble. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
