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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as in to sprinkle
to mark with small spots especially unevenly
sunlight dappled the canopy of vines over our heads
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of dapple
Dallas News, 9 May 2022
Piglet is a Chihuahua-dachshund mix, with a genetic condition called double dapple that causes eyesight and hearing difficulties.
—Susan Dunne, courant.com, 29 Jan. 2022
Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Feb. 2026
The day was otherwise cheerful; sunshine dappled through evergreen boughs.
—Scott Eden, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dapple
Noun
While out on walks in Dallas’ Uptown, people often stop Alison Roche to ask about her brown, dapple, floppy-eared dachshund.
—Dallas News, 9 May 2022
Piglet is a Chihuahua-dachshund mix, with a genetic condition called double dapple that causes eyesight and hearing difficulties.
—Susan Dunne, courant.com, 29 Jan. 2022
Verb
The bundle is painted with butter then toasted on a flattop until dappled.
—Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Feb. 2026
The day was otherwise cheerful; sunshine dappled through evergreen boughs.
—Scott Eden, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dapple
Noun
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Its design, crafted by Russell Sage Studio, is meant to be an on-the-nose reflection of the distillery's famed product, with bronzy walls the color of its single malt, and a ceiling painted to look like barley, reflecting the morning dew with flecks of gold throughout.—
Alessandra Amodio,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2026
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Berber carpet Berber is a type of loop pile carpet with flecks of color.—
Faith Wakefield,
USA Today,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Today, this custom has evolved into subtler hints of the color, quietly hidden in the bridal look or sprinkled throughout the events of the day.—
Rosie Jarman,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Gently sprinkle remaining salt mixture over yolks and tightly wrap dish with plastic.—
Christopher Kostow,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This stylish lace top fits that bill with its dainty swiss dot design and airy boho raw-hem sleeves.—
Madeline Merinuk,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
-
But these dots were there for months, even years, ready to be connected.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
1 May 2026
Verb
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On TikTok, short videos often show people traveling to Turkey to fix their uneven or stained teeth and transform their smiles.—
K.H. Koehler,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Customize it by painting the wood a fun color or staining it for a rustic look.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Then suddenly, every speck of pollen, dust and grime is impossible to ignore.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2026
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Featuring bolder, thicker spots at the top and more refined, micro specks down the skirt, this mini dress makes all-day, fashionable wear easier than ever.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Additionally, unlike traditional bleaching which tends to give fabrics a flat look, Zero allows marbling.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The lack of marbling, fat, and bone diminishes the beefy taste of these cuts.—
Sheena Chihak,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This was a black one with blotches faintly outlined in pale yellow, a beautiful but deadly looking animal.—
Dr. C. E. Kuschel,
Outdoor Life,
9 Apr. 2026
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The eggs vary in color—from white to blue to brown—with speckles, blotches, and other markings and are also distinctive in shape.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The America First Legal advocacy organization, which peppered corporate America with discrimination complaints, has used that footage in complaints.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
-
With this opening, Bad Bakers has six locations peppered across the region, in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Elk Grove and now West Sacramento.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dapple. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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