dappled 1 of 2

adjective

ˈda-pəld How to pronounce dappled (audio)
variants also dapple
Definition of dapplednext
1
as in dotted
marked with spots a dappled fawn

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in colored
having blotches of two or more colors a forest that was vibrant with the dappled foliage of autumn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dappled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of dapple
as in sprinkled
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 dappled
Adjective
Move containers, if possible, to dappled shade under a tree or umbrella. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 17 July 2026 For optimal outdoor care, provide dappled shade and water whenever the top inch of soil is dry. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026
Verb
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 Windows with trees, hedges, or buildings partially obscuring the sun outside them may get medium light exposure, and the light may be dappled or filtered. — Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dappled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dappled
  1. dotted
  2. colored
  3. sprinkled
  4. colorful
  5. flecked
  6. spotted
  7. stained
  8. marbled
Adjective
  • The dotted centers of the doodle-looking flowers were instead clusters of spotlights that could point in different directions.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026
  • O’Connell Marsh will report to Andrea Scrosati, Fremantle’s Group COO and CEO Continental Europe, with a dotted line to Jens Richter, CEO Commercial and International, and will sit on the Global Leadership Team.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 31 July 2026
Definition of dotted
Adjective
  • Rows of amber colored pill bottles fill the wall behind a pharmacist who prepares 1,200 medications a day – more than some New York City children’s hospitals.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • My test car featured predominantly black seats with contrasting white trim and additional light-colored detailing throughout the cabin.
    — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of colored
Verb
  • One of the surprises aboard Beyond was the enviable art sprinkled throughout every nook and cranny.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Pici alla carbonara is a creamy-sauced pasta sprinkled with crispy guanciale and Pecorino Romano.
    — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of sprinkled
Adjective
  • Nineteenth century Belgian crystal chandeliers and colorful glass lanterns adorn the sanctuary.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Its outdoor area is just as pretty, with colorful plants (a Judas tree, a Mount Etna Broom, roses, and jasmine) filling the garden.
    — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of colorful
Verb
  • Family, friends and neighbors filled the frames with dancing and dominoes; their apartments painted in shades of mint, butter yellow and palomino pink, flecked with a patina cultivated by humidity and time.
    — Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026
  • Teal is coming out on top, with its mesmerizing mix of sea-blue and green undertones, as well as flamingo pinks flecked with iridescent shimmer particles.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 18 July 2026
Definition of flecked
Adjective
  • Because spotted skunks are relatively rare in California wildlife rehabilitation centers and in the surrounding area, there were no other skunks of his kind available to keep him company.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • Normally, doctors can detect spotted fever Rickettsia lanei by performing specialized laboratory tests on skin or blood samples.
    — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Definition of spotted
Verb
  • How To Remove Common Marble Stains Unfortunately, marble can sometimes get stained pretty easily.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 31 July 2026
  • Building facades don't just look weathered and soot-stained, graffiti is scrawled on them and posters are peeling off them.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of stained
Adjective
  • But in comments to The Sacramento Bee, spokespeople for the two companies both said that regardless of how the new ESA interpretation runs out, their timber operations will not destroy marbled murrelet habitat.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
  • Firmer than rib eye but just as rich and, frankly, more consistently well-marbled than most other cuts, it can be cooked like steak (to medium or medium-rare), or braised to full shreddy-ness.
    — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 July 2026
Definition of marbled

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Cite this Entry

“Dappled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dappled. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dappled for Spanish Speakers

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