dabbled
/ˈdæbəld/
VERB
1. Made slightly wet or soiled by splashing or sprinkling
Caused something to become slightly wet or dirty by scattering or sprinkling a liquid or substance over it.
1.1. Lightly wetting or soiling a surface
Splashed or sprinkled small amounts of liquid, mud, or paint onto something, making it slightly wet or dirty.
Synonyms
- spattered
- splashed
- sprinkled
- bespattered
- bedabbled
Antonyms
- dried
- cleaned
Examples
- The children dabbled their clothes with muddy water while playing outside.
- Rain dabbled the garden path with tiny droplets.
Related Words
- moistened
- dampened
- besmeared
- splattered
- sprayed
VERB
2. Played or splashed in shallow water
Moved a body part, such as a hand, foot, or bird's bill, in shallow water or soft mud, causing splashing, often playfully.
2.1. Playing and splashing in water
Moved about playfully in shallow water, making small splashes with the hands, feet, or body.
Synonyms
- paddled
- splashed
- cavorted
- frolicked
- romped
Examples
- The children dabbled in the shallow stream during the summer.
- The ducks dabbled in the pond near the riverbank.
Related Words
VERB
3. Participated casually or superficially in an activity
Took part in an activity, subject, or field of interest occasionally or without becoming deeply involved or pursuing it seriously.
3.1. Exploring hobbies or subjects casually
Tried or pursued an activity, hobby, or subject for enjoyment or curiosity without making it a serious commitment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- specialized
- concentrated
- dedicated
- devoted
Examples
- She dabbled in abstract painting before finding her signature style.
- Over the years, he dabbled in various musical genres, from jazz to rock.
- The researcher had dabbled in different fields before specializing in neuroscience.
Related Words
VERB
4. Interfered or meddled in something
Involved oneself in another person's affairs or tampered with something, often without sufficient knowledge, authority, or understanding.
4.1. Interfering in other people's affairs
Became involved in matters that were not one's responsibility or concern, often unnecessarily.
Synonyms
- meddled
- interfered
- intruded
- pried
- butted in
Antonyms
- refrained
- abstained
- kept out
Examples
- He dabbled in other people's personal affairs despite repeated warnings.
- The manager objected when employees dabbled in matters outside their responsibilities.
Related Words
- intervened
- involved
- interfered with
- intruded upon
- meddler
4.2. Tampering with or casually experimenting with something
Made unauthorized or superficial changes to something without fully understanding its operation or consequences.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- preserved
- maintained
- protected
Examples
- The technician warned him not to dabble with the electrical controls.
- They had dabbled with the software settings without understanding their effects.
Related Words
- altered
- modified
- adjusted
- manipulated
- experimented