as in relaxation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself
an extremely serious scientist who is not much given to dalliance or idle chitchat
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Recent Examples of dalliance
Two upper-class wives, their husbands away for the day, share a few toasts to their pre-marital dalliances – with the same man, who just may be en route from France to visit.
—
Greg Evans, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026
Online discourse lurks behind even offline behavior—Bud and Catherine’s polyamorous phase; the age-gap dalliance of their eldest daughter, Abigail, with an edgy vet nicknamed War Crimes Wes.
—Gideon Leek, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
Details about what’s on the menu at the 130-spot are scarce but will continue to show off Kreuther’s dalliance with live fire.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Jan. 2026
This one looks like a #MeToo campus tale, about an adjunct running into her old PhD advisor who just so happens to have written a book about his past that might feature the adjunct and their dalliance.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dalliance
Greg Evans, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026
Online discourse lurks behind even offline behavior—Bud and Catherine’s polyamorous phase; the age-gap dalliance of their eldest daughter, Abigail, with an edgy vet nicknamed War Crimes Wes.
—Gideon Leek, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
Details about what’s on the menu at the 130-spot are scarce but will continue to show off Kreuther’s dalliance with live fire.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Jan. 2026
This one looks like a #MeToo campus tale, about an adjunct running into her old PhD advisor who just so happens to have written a book about his past that might feature the adjunct and their dalliance.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dalliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dalliance
Noun
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Chen follows her into moments of joy and relaxation.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
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With its love for happy hour and sprawling beaches, the Florida Keys is perhaps the best embodiment of rest and relaxation in the United States.—
Teaghan Skulszki,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Open positions include detention officer, recreation supervisor, certified medical assistant, psychiatrist, shift supervisor, assistant shift supervisor, master scheduler, locksmith, maintenance worker and human resource assistant.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
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Officials proposed an addition to the recreation center that would include three different aquatic features, including a 25-yard pool featuring six to eight lanes for lap swimming, a warm water pool for fitness, therapy and swim lessons and a splash pad with slides.—
Alicia Fabbre,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The back half of the store, however, is where the fun really begins.—
Dan Stahl,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
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Kids might seem like a tough audience to program for, but like anyone else, selections can be tailored to them in ways that are exciting, fun, and elastic.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The fan’s commitment to his word drew reactions ranging from admiration to amusement.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
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His role is pivotal as a heroic and charismatic young man who inspires his friends to use their powers for more than just their own amusement.—
Ken Simmons,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Mar. 2026
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Petalpalooza Head to Navy Yard on April 4 for Petalpalooza, a free, family-friendly street party with art installations, entertainment, a beverage garden, and kid-friendly games.—
Katie Riley,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Manz requested that the restaurant shell out $100,000 to compensate him for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress and lost enjoyment of his New York City trip.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
12 Mar. 2026
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That’s because proper grading and drainage lay the foundation for healthy soil and plants, and good design shapes a functional flow in your everyday enjoyment of the garden, from utility paths to outlets, hose spigots, and lighting.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dalliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dalliance. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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