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
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 Gleaming spots caused by methane ice clouds in the planet's atmosphere dapple its lower half. Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 17 Nov. 2022
Verb
The pale tortilla was dappled with shades of brown, toasty and tawny—simplicity, done superlatively. Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 3 May 2026 Charlotte Tilbury Products Used on Kate Hudson Makeup artist Tonya Brewer dappled the $36 Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer under Kate Hudson’s eyes for a crease-free base at the Oscars. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dapple
Noun
  • One image of her right knee showed flecks of blue plastic that prosecutors said came from an inflatable pool Burke used to collect blood while dismembering her body.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026
  • Someone unfamiliar with salt bread might even suspect a major baking error, seeing a questionably smooth croissant that entirely missed the lamination process, adorned with only a few flecks of salt acting as its saving grace.
    Candy Hom, AJC.com, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • Then, sprinkling in frequent, intentional movement throughout the workday.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 23 July 2026
  • Earlier this month, Godwin kicked off the Christian Name Tour, which will run through November and take him coast to coast — with come co-headline appearances with Dylan Gossett sprinkled in during August and September.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • Pair them with everything from a simple tank to a sporty jersey, or take a cue from this guest, who leans into a playful mood with a matching polka-dot set and flip-flops.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 21 July 2026
  • Whether heading to a sporting match, packing for vacation, or dressing for a summer night out, consider these outfit formulas your blueprint to styling polka-dot dresses right now.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • But the tournament will also be remembered for a classless and churlish Argentina, which forever stained itself with a thuggish performance in the game and an ungracious one afterward.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
  • Now—before there is another name, another van, another street stained with blood that didn't have to be spilled.
    Kica Matos, Time, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Tucked into the foothills above Point Dome, the property is listed for a speck under $5 million.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 July 2026
  • Rather than waiting several years to look at the object through the VLT once more, Sutlieff, Bonse and their colleagues dove into older, archival imagery of the star system, looking for signs of their speck.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Veining helps marbled white quartz countertops adopt the look of real Calacatta marble.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 June 2026
  • To create marbling, run a table knife (or wooden skewer) through the batters in a swirling motion.
    Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Verticillium wilt causes similar blotches and yellowing.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026
  • Pine snakes can grow up to 56 inches in length, have black, brown, and russet scales with dark blotches along their backs, and are noted for having a pointed nose, which experts believe may help with burrowing.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Lacy, who is famously fluid in his sexuality and laughs off any attempt to define it, peppers his songs with dreams of men and women, of wanting each yet leaving everyone.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
  • The world’s already richest clubs pepper the top of the list — Barcelona, second four years ago, are also second in our estimate — which stands to reason given it is their players who are most likely to feature on the world stage.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dapple. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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