1
2
as in splashes
a very small amount
she added a dab of sesame oil to the dressing before pouring it on the salad
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in swipes
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
a bear can knock a man down with a simple dab of his paw
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in experts
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
a dab at finding unappreciated collectibles and reselling them at a considerable profit
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dabs
Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Noun
Its gifts today are beautification, recreation, shade, cleaner air and water, walking and biking paths, dabs of nature in the city, the enchanting sound of falling water, programs and events, and art.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Verb
Its gifts today are beautification, recreation, shade, cleaner air and water, walking and biking paths, dabs of nature in the city, the enchanting sound of falling water, programs and events, and art.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dabs
Verb
-
The report taps dozens of data sources, including the census, Bureau of Labor Statistics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Musically, Byrne taps into modern-ish pop strategies via Harry Styles producer Kid Harpoon.—
Will Hermes,
Rolling Stone,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The scene flicks to a flashback of Henry at war, which then switches to Henry in his previous timeline suffering from a nightmare.—
Lincee Ray Published,
EW.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Penny pats Harry's snout and jumps at his face at home.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
-
As a matter of fact, pats on the back are probably very few and far between.—
Nour Rahal,
Freep.com,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Legacy is made from the small, repeatable disciplines no one claps for, but everyone benefits from.—
Cody Bjugan,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
And a couple claps their way through Swift's discography.—
Bryan West,
The Tennessean,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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If the economy tips into a recession, firms are likely to lean on technology like AI to squeeze more out of fewer workers.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
-
When consumers face difficult choices about where to spend, the emotional equity built into licensed products often tips the scale, making licensing an investment in the power of emotional resonance.—
Amanda Cioletti,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Austin Wells #28 of the New York Yankees tags out Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays at home plate during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on September 6, 2025 in New York, New York.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The older woman clutches her top towel closer to her.—
Weike Wang,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As Solène leaves, Rainbeau clenches her fists, talking herself out of hitting Solène and remembering the way disputes got resolved in her family.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
26 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dabs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dabs. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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