dabbing

verb

present participle of dab
1
as in smearing

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2
as in tapping

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dabbing
  1. smearing
  2. tapping
  3. daubing
  4. flicking
  5. slathering
  6. patting
  7. anointing
  8. clapping
Verb
  • Yet what follows is an extended list of ethical sins, with a focus on the sins of abusive speech, such as slandering, slurring, slighting and smearing the reputations of others.
    — Reuven Kimelman, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
  • People have gone from smearing the compound on their faces to using injections, in hopes of achieving firmer, wrinkle-free skin and other anti-aging benefits.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of smearing
Verb
  • Companies are also tapping the public debt markets in an unprecedented way.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But programming matters just as much as timing, and that includes tapping the right host.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of tapping
Verb
  • But there is a distinction, Kutwala said, between flying flags from one’s own property and daubing paint across the town.
    — Olivia Kemp, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025
Definition of daubing
Verb
  • Coming for a variety of longtime critics of the merger, opposition rose and suspicion about the settlement served to pour gasoline on an already flicking fire.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
  • He’s getting hit sometimes, and just flicking this ball out there.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of flicking
Verb
  • For a more affordable alternative, Tula’s hydrating mask is perfect for slathering on and moisturizing mid-flight, too.
    — Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The goat is tender and deeply savory, the perfect vehicle for slathering charred avocado and queso for a truly melt-in-your-mouth bite.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of slathering
Verb
  • In 2022, the paparazzi leaked photos of the two holding hands, nestled into each other at a New York bar, and Holmes patting Robach on the rear.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • In this case, there’s no swiping or rubbing at all—just let the pads sit and soak in for a few minutes before gently patting in the excess.
    — Jenny Jin, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of patting
Verb
  • To his surprise, Wall Street financiers approached him on the street to praise Gekko — anointing him as their hero.
    — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Think Lady Gaga anointing herself an A-list leading lady by way of her grand appearance for the premiere of A Star Is Born.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of anointing
Verb
  • About 75 people packed the room at Morning Star Community Center, often clapping and cheering in support of the criticism.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
  • At one point, the audience tentatively started clapping then quickly quieted back down.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of clapping
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.

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dabbed
dabbing
dabble
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Cite this Entry

“Dabbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dabbing. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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