DRIBBLED Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

dribbled

verb

past tense of dribble

as in dripped

to fall or let fall in or as if in drops water dribbling over the lip of the fountain

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in splashed

to flow in a broken irregular stream rainwater dribbling along the partially clogged gutter

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in drooled

to let saliva or some other substance flow from the mouth picnickers dribbling in eager anticipation of the hamburgers on the grill

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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 dribbled After Holliday stole second, Taylor Ward dribbled a two-run single past Torkelson at first, cutting the Tigers' lead to 7-5. — CBS News, 29 July 2026 The 20-year-old Venezuelan expertly controlled the ball with space to work, dribbled into the box, cut to his left and tucked it between Cleveland and the far post for his sixth MLS goal and 10th in all competitions this year. — Josh Gross, Daily News, 26 July 2026 Late in the first half, Michael Owen dribbled into the box and drew a penalty kick. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2026 Messi tracked down the loose ball, and dribbled towards the box before firing an absolutely perfect right-footed cross onto the head of Lautaro Martínez, who finished England’s dreams, and extended its pain. — Sean Gregory, Time, 15 July 2026 With Sacramento trailing 75-65, Clifford caught the ball near the 3-point line on the right side of the floor and dribbled toward the lane. — Josh Robbins, New York Times, 13 July 2026 One of the event’s biggest attractions was the Humanoid Soccer League, where robots passed, dribbled, defended, and attempted long-range shots in matches resembling human soccer. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 Then, at 36 minutes, Jude Bellingham put England in the lead after Declan Rice dribbled unchallenged for 60 yards before passing to Bukayo Saka, who crossed for the Real Madrid man to head home. — David Hickey, NBC news, 6 July 2026 Jonsdottir forced a turnover in the 56th minute, dribbled, and scored from a tight angle to double Angel City’s lead. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dribbled

Verb

Present subtext dripped from his words of the past, as the city of Denver hopes Payton has found a next great one, two decades later.

— Luca Evans, Denver Post, 30 July 2026
After pounding his drive down the final fairway, Fox hit his approach to just inside 12 feet and then dripped his birdie putt into the edge of the cup to win the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

— Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026

Definition of dripped

Verb

Even the band’s Interscope debut, 1991’s Sailing the Seas of Cheese, only splashed a thin layer of lacquer onto an ugly, unruly beast.

— Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026
The retreat debuts on the heels of a Dioriveria pop-up boutique at the Belmond property that splashed down there earlier this summer.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 27 July 2026

Definition of splashed

Verb

After Klee announced his death on July 25, tributes flowed on social media for the little dog whose cancer diagnosis was revealed in May.

— Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
The park itself wasn’t crowded during USA TODAY’s visit on July 30, but a steady stream of guests flowed through the front entrance, stopping only for security since there were no admission fees.

— Eve Chen, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of flowed

Verb

Unfortunately for Miami, Suarez, who has been on fire, is suspended for the next six Leagues Cups games for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member after the 2025 Final last August.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026
Greek culinary historian Mariana Kavroulaki pointed out that rather than making stews, characters in The Odyssey were mostly spit-roasting their proteins, though that’s something of an anachronism in the text.

— Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026

Definition of spit

Verb

These forever chemicals, also known as PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have leached from everything from firefighting foam to waterproof clothing to nonstick cookware and trickled into the aquifer — the source of our drinking water.

— Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026
The government opened 10 registration centers across Port-au-Prince in neighborhoods considered generally safe as dozens of hopeful Haitians trickled through.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026

Definition of trickled

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dribble

dribbled

dribbles

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“Dribbled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dribbled. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of dribbled

verb

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