as in delighted
to take part in an activity in a superficial way
She dabbled in drawing and painting but sculpture was her favorite medium.
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Recent Examples of dabbled
Still, if men have never dabbled into the makeup world before, knowing where to start can be quite overwhelming—not to mention confusing.
—
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 May 2026
Toboni grew up in San Francisco as a baseball and basketball player who dabbled with the idea of playing both sports at an Ivy League school.
—Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Clark likely dabbled in the TCC.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026
Over the course of his career, Drake has often embodied his Champagne Papi persona and dabbled with Latin music, working with some of the genre’s biggest stars.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2026
The performer has dabbled in fashion and writing, too, releasing her fitness clothing line CALIA by Carrie in 2015 and her New York Times best-selling book Find Your Path five years later.
—Ilana Frost, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
The industry has dabbled in all kinds of tech innovation over the years, some lasting longer than others.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 12 May 2026
The company has also dabbled in wearable tech.
—Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 11 May 2026
Thus far, investment firm Monarch Collective has mostly dabbled on the equity side of the industry, having built a portfolio that includes Angel City FC, the San Diego Wave, Boston Legacy FC, FC Viktoria Berlin in Germany and Cleveland’s upcoming WNBA expansion franchise.
—Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 7 May 2026
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 May 2026
Toboni grew up in San Francisco as a baseball and basketball player who dabbled with the idea of playing both sports at an Ivy League school.
—Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Clark likely dabbled in the TCC.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026
Over the course of his career, Drake has often embodied his Champagne Papi persona and dabbled with Latin music, working with some of the genre’s biggest stars.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2026
The performer has dabbled in fashion and writing, too, releasing her fitness clothing line CALIA by Carrie in 2015 and her New York Times best-selling book Find Your Path five years later.
—Ilana Frost, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
The industry has dabbled in all kinds of tech innovation over the years, some lasting longer than others.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 12 May 2026
The company has also dabbled in wearable tech.
—Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 11 May 2026
Thus far, investment firm Monarch Collective has mostly dabbled on the equity side of the industry, having built a portfolio that includes Angel City FC, the San Diego Wave, Boston Legacy FC, FC Viktoria Berlin in Germany and Cleveland’s upcoming WNBA expansion franchise.
—Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dabbled
Verb
-
An early example of internet-viral fame, the then-47-year-old unemployed charity worker from rural Scotland delighted viewers and judges with her powerful, angelic voice and charm.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
-
Torres continues to show great flair in writing for Oscar winners, though, with Portman playing a mother delighted by her daughter’s interest in a step-child doll to torment.—
Jesse Hassenger,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Turn mealtime into braintime with this interactive puzzle toy that keeps dogs engaged, entertained and mentally stimulated.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
25 May 2026
-
The couple reportedly entertained famous friends there.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Kornet played six minutes, missed all three of his shot attempts and finished with only two points, but the block was an epic moment.—
Tim Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
-
Ward has played just nine games in left field for OKC this season.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander apparently isn’t amused by a new board game that pokes fun at the Oklahoma City Thunder star’s reputation for garnering foul calls at the hint of contact by an opposing player.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
As Paula finally reaches Detective Gonzalez and excitedly chatters about her wire transfer ruse, the wry officer isn’t amused.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Meek lives with her dad, Smooch (Will Cobbs), a former Black Panther who now runs a roller rink, and her not-to-be-trifled-with grandma, Puddin (Lizan Mitchell).—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dabbled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dabbled. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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