1
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
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
1
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of dab
Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 24 June 2025
Vaporizers and Dab Pens For the cannabis connoisseur who prefers discreet consumption, a high-quality vaporizer or dab pen is a fantastic gift.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 9 May 2025
Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
If your child has a runny nose, prevent their skin from drying out by applying a dab of petroleum jelly.
—Aleksandra Weber, Parents, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dab
Noun
Hairstylist and owner of Salon PK Pekela Riley suggests dipping a Q-tip or cotton ball into an apple cider vinegar rinse, then lightly dabbing it on affected areas to dissolve buildup and soothe the itchies.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 24 June 2025
Vaporizers and Dab Pens For the cannabis connoisseur who prefers discreet consumption, a high-quality vaporizer or dab pen is a fantastic gift.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 9 May 2025
Verb
There are even small canisters with twist-off lids for transporting just a dab of that expensive moisturizer or eye cream.
—Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
If your child has a runny nose, prevent their skin from drying out by applying a dab of petroleum jelly.
—Aleksandra Weber, Parents, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dab
Verb
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The response of the Zelensky Administration to smear anti-corruption probes as Russian propaganda is misguided and self-defeating, as many within Ukraine point out.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
24 July 2025
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My hands smeared in gore, eyes alight with frenzied ecstasy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 July 2025
Verb
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Slim promptly pockets and pats them for safekeeping.—
Jennifer Leigh Parker,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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Brinkley recounts that Billy made his way over to the piano and patted the bench.—
Richard Johnson,
New York Daily News,
20 July 2025
Verb
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In another, an audience get to its feet to applaud a famed film director who’s accepting a prize at an awards gala, his face daubed in Indigenous face paint style.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
19 June 2025
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On the front steps, insults daubed in spray paint were directed at both Mayor Karen Bass and President Trump.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Verb
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That's because several amendments were filed by some House Republicans that would have tapped into the lottery's budget to fund other projects.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Further ensuring plenty of cash to be tapped was the extension of a revolving credit facility (RCF) from £200m to £350m in September 2024.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
29 July 2025
Verb
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Back in her day, the hotel heiress was seen in a bathing suit and high heels slathering up a Bentley while basically making out with her lunch.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
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Summer is firmly underway, and that means our editors are busy having fun in the sun (with our SPF slathered on) — and, of course, looking good while doing it.—
Karina Hoshikawa,
refinery29.com,
3 July 2025
Verb
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General manager Brian Cashman has already tipped his hand in that regard.—
Mike Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
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Head coach Mike Vrabel tipped off reporters before practice saying the coaching staff planned to install more third-down plays after a heavy first-down session Thursday.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
25 July 2025
Verb
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When Netflix launched the Glen Powell movie Hitman in 2024, the company plastered mock billboards all over town.—
Mickey Rapkin,
HollywoodReporter,
28 July 2025
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Mary moved into an apartment in the Bronx, in the same building as her brother-in-law, and plastered the walls with tape, to prevent reality-TV shows from recording her and Angie through the cracks.—
Rachel Aviv,
New Yorker,
21 July 2025
Verb
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The short clip shows Aguilera — an executive producer on the musical — smiling and clapping during the performance, with scenes from the production spliced throughout.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
20 July 2025
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As the song continued, Amora, from her highchair, chewed her food and clapped alongside her mom to the song.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dab. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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