as in dipping
to sink or push (something) briefly into or as if into a liquid
dunking a doughnut in one's morning coffee
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dunking
In homage to the Dead, Speirs created tie-dye shirts with an image of a dunking skeleton and the colors of the Lithuanian flag, a version of which still sells.
—
Alex Valdes, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
Many basketball and football athletes are now selling their passing, tackling and dunking skills each year to the highest bidder.
—Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 16 Jan. 2026
And from the looks of it, Jenner may already be over dunking her face for TikTok—and in general.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 14 Jan. 2026
These cookies come out crisp and crunchy – perfect for dunking in milk or coffee.
—Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
One of the major contributors has been 6-foot-3 junior guard Johnny Thyfault, who’s averaging 16 points and has become a fan favorite because of his dunking skills.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Marquette grabbed eight offensive rebounds to the Huskies’ four in the first half and was able to put together a 10-3 run in the final minutes, cutting its deficit to five before Reed scored three unanswered, dunking in the final seconds to push the difference back to eight at halftime.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2026
Much like Oreos, Pan di Stelle cookies are meant for dunking, usually in milk for kids and espresso for adults.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
To get a sense of them, start your meal with the individual mole tasting ($8), served in small bowls with tortillas for dunking.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 20 Dec. 2025
Alex Valdes, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
Many basketball and football athletes are now selling their passing, tackling and dunking skills each year to the highest bidder.
—Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 16 Jan. 2026
And from the looks of it, Jenner may already be over dunking her face for TikTok—and in general.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 14 Jan. 2026
These cookies come out crisp and crunchy – perfect for dunking in milk or coffee.
—Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
One of the major contributors has been 6-foot-3 junior guard Johnny Thyfault, who’s averaging 16 points and has become a fan favorite because of his dunking skills.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Marquette grabbed eight offensive rebounds to the Huskies’ four in the first half and was able to put together a 10-3 run in the final minutes, cutting its deficit to five before Reed scored three unanswered, dunking in the final seconds to push the difference back to eight at halftime.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2026
Much like Oreos, Pan di Stelle cookies are meant for dunking, usually in milk for kids and espresso for adults.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
To get a sense of them, start your meal with the individual mole tasting ($8), served in small bowls with tortillas for dunking.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 20 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dunking
Verb
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Mornings will be well below zero, with wind chills dipping into the 20s below zero at times.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Increasing clouds are expected Tuesday, with a high near 23 degrees and wind chill values dipping below zero at times as a light southwest wind develops.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While immersing themselves in vintage dance, Cathleen and James had their day jobs.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026
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The system includes several easy-to-use tools for enhancing dialogue or immersing yourself in surround sound, all without waking any light sleepers or disturbing the neighbors.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dunking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dunking. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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