dapple 1 of 2

noun

ˈda-pəl How to pronounce dapple (audio)
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

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 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
  1. fleck
  2. sprinkle
  3. dot
  4. stain
  5. speck
  6. marble
  7. blotch
  8. pepper
Noun
  • Some kits include stone-like chips or flecks to scatter over the surface of the wet paint for a realistic effect.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Hundreds of flecks of sequins caught the light as Jenner made her way down the red carpet, glittering from every angle.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of fleck
Verb
  • The foam men were meant to be sprinkled throughout the city near any event tied to Quebec New York 2001.
    — Jesse McLaren, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Manári Taverna's skioufichta—a thick, brothy pasta dish sprinkled with cheese—is perfect with a glass of red wine, Agapi says.
    — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of sprinkle
Noun
  • Demario Davis will be the Jets’ green-dot linebacker, receiving the defensive calls from Glenn.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Most of this has already been reported (including here on The Athletic), but Torre and crew do a great job of laying it out, from beginning to end, and connecting all the dots in between.
    — Levi Weaver, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of dot
Verb
  • Several others said the incident has stained India’s credibility and the Hindu religion.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
  • That one throw, aided by some controversial officiating, helped Michigan avoid a loss that would have stained its entire season.
    — Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of stain
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
Definition of speck
Verb
  • The Parthenon marbles date to the 5th century BCE and were originally created for the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of marble
Noun
  • Juveniles can be distinguished by their dark facial bands and gray or tan body patterned with black or brown blotches.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Crews are also using steam to remove blotches of chewing gum, which have turned black over time.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of blotch
Verb
  • But also, an increasing number of Latin artists are staking their own claims to complexity, such as Fuerza Regida, who detoured their corridos into Jersey club, or DJ duo Røz, who pepper their festival sets with electro-rock flirtations.
    — Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The music that existed just outside his window and peppered his childhood.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of pepper

Browse Nearby Words

dapperness
dapple
dappled
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Cite this Entry

“Dapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dapple. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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