as in entertaining
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as in delighting
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dabbling
Miami Herald,
20 May 2026
The lifelong friends paired up with director Louis Malle after playwright Gregory’s stint in Europe, staging experimental theater and dabbling in New Age communities (and near-death experiences).
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Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
11 May 2026
Throughout her childhood and into high school, Connors loved dabbling in songwriting, often trying her hand at songs about friendship and, later, her tumultuous high school breakup.
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Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
For now, there are no other concrete details about the follow-up to 2025’s Phantom Island, which found Gizzard dabbling in heavy orchestration for the first time.
—
Spin Staff,
SPIN,
24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dabbling
Verb
After dabbling in musical theater at Florida Atlantic University, film eventually became his calling.
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Miami Herald,
20 May 2026
The lifelong friends paired up with director Louis Malle after playwright Gregory’s stint in Europe, staging experimental theater and dabbling in New Age communities (and near-death experiences).
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
11 May 2026
Throughout her childhood and into high school, Connors loved dabbling in songwriting, often trying her hand at songs about friendship and, later, her tumultuous high school breakup.
—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
For now, there are no other concrete details about the follow-up to 2025’s Phantom Island, which found Gizzard dabbling in heavy orchestration for the first time.
—
Spin Staff,
SPIN,
24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dabbling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dabbling
Adjective
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The porch is spacious enough to add extra living or entertaining space, and with stainless-steel construction, the structure is sturdy and weather-ready.
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The floor plan opens up at the rear of the home to provide ample space for entertaining or daily living.
Verb
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Adding secondary maturations into the bourbon lineup is likely going to divide longtime Four Roses fans, delighting some and infuriating others.
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Iran responded in the 64th minute with Rezaeian’s cross headed home by Mohammad Mohebi, tying the score and delighting fans.
Adjective
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One detour led me to Paul Krassner, a founding member of the Yippies, a radical (and radically goofy) New Left group.
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Alongside Fred Jones, Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley and his best friend, Shaggy Rogers, Scooby spent decades unmasking supposedly supernatural villains while winning over generations of fans with his goofy charm, insatiable appetite and signature catchphrases.
Verb
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Ella Bruccoleri may be playing a Bennet sister on TV, but the actress wasn’t always a fan of Jane Austen.
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According to court documents, Zimmerman was playing golf at the hotel's course throughout the day with friends.
Adjective
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The electric blue shade adds such a fun pop of color to a summer wardrobe, instantly brightening up basics like white jeans, denim shorts, or neutral trousers.
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Gemini May 21 – June 20 A fun idea may need a clearer price tag.
Verb
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The podcast added its own layer of lighthearted commentary, signaling that even those closest to the Kelce family found the coverage amusing rather than newsworthy.
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The podcast, which has become a cultural touchstone in its own right, signaled that even those closest to the Kelce family found the coverage amusing rather than newsworthy.
Adjective
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This is the wrong time for a baseball stadium — or anything that looks frivolous or smacks of cronyism.
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Wet paint auctions feel like a distant memory, with frivolous, speculative art buying, especially from 2020 to 2022, now being passé.
Verb
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But that still left the less-than-trifling matter of the second tier’s title to settle, as the teams were locked together on 97 points with one game still to play.
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The rise may seem trifling, but staffers work long hours, and a caffeine budget is a necessity.
Cite this Entry
“Dabbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dabbling. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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