Definition of dapplenext
as in fleck
a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part the clouds threw dapples of shadow over the eerily quiet street

Synonyms & Similar Words

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dapple

2 of 2

verb

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 dapple
Noun
In the prelude to a November ballot featuring the candidate synonymous with polarization, all the dapple and nuance of life is once again being reduced to a binary. Karl Vick, TIME, 2 July 2024 The building's neo-Gothic domes and spires were lit up against the indigo night, creating Impressionist dapples on the river. Lina Mounzer, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Apr. 2023
Verb
The eight-year-old girl sat obediently for her portrait, her hair dappled in light against foliage. Literary Hub, 17 July 2026 Let the plant recover in bright, indirect or dappled sunlight for a week, then gradually move it back into more light. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dapple
Noun
  • The soup itself has an almost lemon curd-like acidity and sweetness, and it’s laced with flecks of fresh corn and tiny diced pieces of zucchini.
    Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Amid his vast responsibilities running all the departments in the Giants’ front office, Zaidi still found the time to pore over MLB Draft League statistics and look for flecks of gold.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Thursday’s off day couldn’t come at a better time, and there are more days off sprinkled throughout the final six weeks of the season.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • These are small to large grasslands usually sprinkled with wetlands (glacial potholes) and set amid private farmland, which supplies the grain.
    Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Smith is a high-end passer who finds a lot of O-zone seams and is also able to finish chances from the dots.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The former pro athlete posted a family photo of himself, Panettiere and their daughter Kaya (whose face is censored by a bright orange dot) all smiles against a cloudy sky.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • After his death, Bob’s became the de facto location for fans needing to pay homage to the beloved director, piled high with tributes of cigarettes, cans of Coke, donuts, slices of pie and tear-stained letters of gratitude.
    Amanda Karkoutly, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Clean the bowl with a toilet brush and cleaner once or twice a week to prevent mineral deposits from staining the toilet bowl.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Calcium shows up as bright white specks on the coronary artery images.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Pulse a few times, until crumbs range in size from specks to peas.
    Leah Eskin, Midwest Living, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The meat on the bones varies in thickness and, thanks to marbling and tough connective tissue, short ribs are ideal for slow cooking.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Just offshore from Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island, the Caribbean Sea takes on a mesmerizing, almost marbled quality.
    Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Crews are also using steam to remove blotches of chewing gum, which have turned black over time.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The next morning, a galaxy of itchy red bumps and blotches stretched from my shoulder to my hip.
    Ben Crair, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • In response, the researchers peppered Copilot with questions about the guardrails that required user confirmation before the assistant could execute powerful commands.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Fiscal came back with a tombstone attempt, but Fenix escaped and peppered him with more kicks.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dapple. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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