dribbling 1 of 2

adjective

as in trickling

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dribbling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of dribble
1
as in dripping
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
2
as in splashing
to flow in a broken irregular stream rainwater dribbling along the partially clogged gutter

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in drooling
to let saliva or some other substance flow from the mouth picnickers dribbling in eager anticipation of the hamburgers on the grill

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 dribbling
Adjective
In a recent lab demonstration done by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the compact humanoid moved with surprising fluidity—dribbling, passing, and sinking shots after practising thousands of simulated drills. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Nov. 2025
Verb
The map above shows these were not just confined to his own half, with his dribbling regularly carrying Lille into dangerous attacking areas. — David Ornstein, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Until the 85th minute, when Messi, off a short corner kick, attracted three defenders while dribbling in. — Sean Gregory, Time, 15 July 2026 Norway finally managed to apply some pressure in the attacking third, leading to a loose ball dribbling in the box. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026 Now with Antetokounmpo as a teammate after the Heat’s trade with the Milwaukee Bucks, Mitchell is dribbling off to Greece in a week. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026 The Manchester United player ran a quick give-and-go with Nicolas Pépé, taking the short return pass and then dribbling through the Norwegian defense. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 Doué’s ability to progress with the ball through defensive pressure, either by dribbling past defenders or by linking up with teammates, is a valuable attacking asset for his national team. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dribbling
  1. scant
  2. dripping
  3. splashing
  4. drooling
  5. sparse
  6. washing
  7. spitting
  8. scanty
Adjective
  • Public details on both Newsom and the Assembly’s proposal remain scant.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • That their deposits must already be so scarce—and their profits so scant—that the industry needs government protection just to survive.
    — Omid Malekan, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of scant
Verb
  • The build plate is completely flat, which prevents resin from dripping back down into the resin tray.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • With blood dripping down her face, Vipress was able to power through.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of dripping
Verb
  • The lower heat means less oil is splashing from the sauté or frying pan and onto your countertops and cabinets.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The Dream led by as much as 42 points, with Angel Reese splashing 18 first-half points.
    — Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of splashing
Verb
  • Stuff like Caitlin Clark getting mugged with no foul being called, or Sophie Cunningham pointing at some obnoxious player, or ESPN drooling over a coach wearing a pro-trans shirt.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Video released by the Milwaukie Police Department shows Descamps sprawled in a hospital bed, his body limp, moaning and drooling, while medical staff stood nearby.
    — Brian Mann, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of drooling
Adjective
  • However, judging by the content of the minutes, specific details were sparse.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • According to Grande Cosmetics, apply GrandeBROW once daily on a clean, dry brow, concentrating on sparse areas.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of sparse
Verb
  • The magnesium fits alongside a skincare wind-down that includes washing her face with her brand’s Micellar Cleanser, applying its Prep Serum and using its Night Cream, sometimes with a few drops of Boosting Oil mixed in.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026
  • To prevent an infection, the CDC recommends washing your hands and any fresh produce under running water before eating, preparing or cooking it.
    — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of washing
Verb
  • Within that, the specific element of the tracking data which makes batting so tough is the inconsistency of bounce, with a large number of deliveries either spitting (bouncing excessively) or scooting (bouncing far less than anticipated).
    — Ben Jones Aug. 26, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Napier’s fate was effectively sealed in 2025 when defensive tackle Brendan Bett was penalized and ejected for spitting on a USF player, igniting the Bulls’ game-winning drive.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of spitting
Adjective
  • They are being asked to do it with scanty documentation, including proof that the Historic Preservation Board is causing unnecessary delay.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2026
  • Although the details are scanty, the potential DOE funding is likely to be directed towards this demonstration facility.
    — Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026
Definition of scanty

Browse Nearby Words

dribbles
dribbling
driblet
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Cite this Entry

“Dribbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dribbling. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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