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
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Recent Examples of dab
Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2026
Dip a cotton swab into 70 percent rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the mealybug to kill it, then remove it from the leaf, says VanWyk.
—Lauren David, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026
Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Simply rub the cut side of the tomato on your fingers or dab some of the juice onto your hands.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dab
Noun
Applying the same concept with a dab of Vaseline under each nostril, however, can trap the pollen and prevent it from getting into your nose.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2026
Dip a cotton swab into 70 percent rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the mealybug to kill it, then remove it from the leaf, says VanWyk.
—Lauren David, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026
Verb
Instead, this cover stick is easy to dab onto your face with only your fingertips.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Simply rub the cut side of the tomato on your fingers or dab some of the juice onto your hands.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dab
Noun
-
Records of public meetings and community newspapers feature jabs at how far these sorry kinsmen have strayed from their heritage.—
Eythana Miller,
The Dial,
23 June 2026
-
With a subtle jab at city life there, Deuso is making history in a community that doesn't even seem to notice.—
Liz Crawford,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
However, even though overhead watering, sprinkling, and misting can cause plant disease, during prolonged high temperatures, a humid environment probably outweighs the risk of plant disease.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
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The team has a real sense of unity, as well as a sprinkling of class led by experienced defender Achraf Hakimi.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Deidre Hall delivered her most shocking slap yet on live TV on June 19.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
20 June 2026
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Only a few minutes earlier, Abulaila endured an inadvertent slap to his throat by Arnautovic on a pass into the box.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Legislative expert and law professor Chris Micheli said lawmakers frequently include controversial provisions in bills during the early stages of the legislative process.—
June 24,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
-
Given the significance of the peace deal, experts said Pakistan will certainly want to leverage its mediation role for economic benefit, particularly in its dealings with allies in Washington and the Gulf.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
25 June 2026
Verb
-
One group inflated a giant disco ball, while another smeared themselves with body paint next to a line of rehearsing dancers.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
-
The costume—doofy top hat, smeared white paint—suggested full commitment to the bit.—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Benji separated from Zack, patted the spot on the bed between them, and then opened up his arm as an invitation.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
18 June 2026
-
Next, apply a lipstick or lip stain with a matte finish—ideally patted on with your fingers—to finish it off.—
Margaux Anbouba,
Vogue,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Our expert take The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections, flexible rewards and more.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
22 June 2026
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Daniel takes advantage of this momentary distraction to deliver a left hook, right punch to the gut, asking Lestat about his maker, Magnus (Damien Atkins).—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
Noun
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Young guests can make a splash at the 16,000-square-foot waterpark or one of the seven freshwater pools.—
Chelsea Adams,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
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The excitement of that first game behind them, Advocaat and his players are looking to make more than just a splash in the remainder of their first tournament.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dab. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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