dilettantes

variants or dilettanti
Definition of dilettantesnext
plural of dilettante
1
as in amateurs
a person who regularly or occasionally engages in an activity as a pastime rather than as a profession a dilettante at heart, she was never willing to commit the time and effort that ballet demands

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2
as in scholars
dated a person having a knowledgeable and fine appreciation of the arts she writes about art not from the point of view of an artist but from that of a committed dilettante

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of dilettantes Packer and Srulovich aren’t dilettantes, either. Lela London, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dilettantes
Noun
  • By matching equipment specs to swing speed rather than gender, amateurs would find that LPGA launch angles, spin rates and shaft flexes are far more relevant to their game.
    Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
  • On pretty much any day, professional artists and passionate amateurs of all ages are in studios, ballet schools or community centers.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But Taylor’s remarks quickly drew criticism from civil liberties advocates and media scholars, who said his comments risked undermining public safety and the public’s right to document police activity.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
  • British universities have jurisdiction over the issuance of visa sponsorships for international scholars.
    Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Micron’s Crucial brand sold memory on sticks that tinkerers could use to build their own PCs or upgrade their laptops.
    Kif Leswing, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2025
  • The Ringbrothers Kingpin was unveiled at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show (SEMA) in Las Vegas, which is a haven for aftermarket wizards, tuners, and auto tinkerers of all stripes.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The late art dealer Fred Kline attributed the work to Leonardo, but other connoisseurs have disputed its authenticity.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Cornville This cute little town has something to offer for wine connoisseurs.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dilettantes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dilettantes. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

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