dab 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈdab How to pronounce dab (audio)
Definition of dabnext
1
as in jab
a quick thrust one more quick dab of the brush and he would be finished with his painting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in sprinkling
a very small amount she added a dab of sesame oil to the dressing before pouring it on the salad

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in slap
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument a bear can knock a man down with a simple dab of his paw

Synonyms & Similar Words

dab

2 of 3

noun (2)

chiefly British
as in expert
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field a dab at finding unappreciated collectibles and reselling them at a considerable profit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dab

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to smear

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
2
as in to pat

Related 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 dab
Noun
To remove these stubborn spots before cleaning, dip a cloth into isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and dab it over the area to soften and remove buildup. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 June 2026 France is home to UCF edge rusher Aymeric Koumba, specifically Bordeaux, which is smack dab in the middle of one of the best wine-making regions with award-winning vineyards. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026
Verb
Let the scent soak into your skin instead, or lightly dab your wrists together or dab your wrists to other pulse points. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 June 2026 Aniston was similarly touched by the revelation, reaching for a tissue to dab her eyes. — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dab
  1. jab
  2. sprinkling
  3. slap
  4. expert
  5. smear
  6. pat
  7. punch
  8. splash
Noun
  • After the 2022 final, and again on a team bus after the 2024 Copa América, Argentine players sang a song mocking French players' African heritage, with a transphobic jab thrown at Kylian Mbappé for good measure.
    — Shann Biglione, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Throw a quick jab with your front hand and immediately return it.
    — Jenessa Connor, Health, 21 July 2026
Definition of jab
Noun
  • Navy cat-eye polish sparkles under 3D seashell ridges and a sprinkling of pearls.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 July 2026
  • Try serving with a dollop of sour cream and a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar.
    — Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 21 July 2026
Definition of sprinkling
Noun
  • While other kids his age were doling out loot bags stuffed with Bazooka bubble gum and slap bracelets, Lovett was recording his favorite music on cassette tapes as party favors.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2026
  • Pro wrestling is often viewed as a fake form of fighting, but the flips, jumps and landings are very real — slaps and kicks landed on reddening skin echo throughout SPW’s venues.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of slap
Noun
  • Under the heady ride of turf expert Hector Berrios, Gold Phoenix saved ground inside, held off 3-5 favorite Formidable Man down the stretch and caught Cabo Spirit near the wire to win the $250,000 Grade II Eddie Read Stakes.
    — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026
  • While beneficial, some experts suggest alternatives like 529 plans might offer better tax treatment for gains if not receiving the seed money.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of expert
Verb
  • In her view, the way to calm things down is for Clark to denounce the very fans defending her while players drive forearms into her throat and television analysts smear her character.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
  • Offshore dollar savings and onshore settlement demand are diverging, and the supply chart smears the two together.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of smear
Verb
  • When an excitable teenager cut in front of my dad, Frankenstein — without saying a word — gestured for the kid to be patient and wait, patted my dad on the back and posed for a picture.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
  • Morgan agreed to step out of his sedan, stood in front of a patrol vehicle and allowed officers to pat him down, the recordings showed.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 19 July 2026
Definition of pat
Noun
  • There are also plenty of games and activities for sale in the hotel store, including watercolor kits, colorful punch balloons, activity books, knitting kits, pick-up sticks, puzzles, toys, and more.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Citrus Although a wonderful addition to any dish that needs a punch of acid, oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruits and other citruses are detrimental to cats' health.
    — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Definition of punch
Noun
  • And teach kids not to drink from the pool or treat splash-pad spouts like drinking fountains.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 20 July 2026
  • Krinsky said these hires have gotten Reebok several headlines—plus a Netflix documentary—but O’Neal and Iverson are with the company for more than a big PR splash.
    — Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of splash

Phrases Containing dab

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dab
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Cite this Entry

“Dab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dab. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dab

Nglish: Translation of dab for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dab

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