DAPPLED Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

dappled 1 of 2

adjective

ˈda-pəld

variants also dapple

Definition of dappled

as in dotted

marked with spots a dappled fawn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Her eyes were cast up through the dappled light of the trees tossing their leaves in a light breeze. — Ellen O’Connell Whittet, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 One by one, two by two, hikers climb through dappled shade and emerge onto a narrow path etched into the side of Empire Bluff, hundreds of feet above Lake Michigan. — Mike Norton, Midwest Living, 26 Sep. 2026

Verb

Flowers dappled the mid-lengths, with a real ’70s feeling volume throughout. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 May 2026 The pale tortilla was dappled with shades of brown, toasty and tawny—simplicity, done superlatively. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dappled

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dappled

Adjective

But Franklyn said Cooper wanted to complete the paperwork quickly — so Franklyn signed on the dotted line.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2026
Okongwu caught an inbound pass just outside the arc, dribbled in, and pulled up at the dotted line.

— Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of dotted

Adjective

The brightly colored walls in the home are filled with the Krauses’ collection, including works by Tacita Dean, Raymond Saunders, Rachel Harrison, Richard Tuttle, Rudolf Stingel, and Franz Ackermann, the latter a commission.

— Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 10 Nov. 2026
Bold green pelmets and stone inserts are meant to recall emeralds and colored gemstones.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026

Definition of colored

Verb

Each guest room offers two complimentary reusable water bottles that can be filled at hydration stations sprinkled throughout the property.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2026
In keeping with the grand tradition of Stand Up for Heroes, which is organized by the Bob Woodruff Foundation and has raised $123 million for veterans and their families over the past 20 years, Springsteen sprinkled dirty jokes throughout his set.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of sprinkled

Adjective

The beaches here are lined with colorful guesthouses and design-forward boutique stays like Jakes Hotel, a beloved family-run establishment founded by local artist Sally Henzell.

— Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
But after the governor declared war on rainbows, making the nonsensical argument that colorful crosswalks were somehow dangerous, the state had tried to hide the evidence of its earlier position.

— Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of colorful

Verb

Chef Williams Saurina adds his own touches, with novel spins on ceviche, zesty salsas flecked with pumpkin seeds, and aromatic Tikin Xic (sea bass with recado rojo, made from local achiote, wrapped in totomoxtle leaf).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
The pillowy dough is flecked with cinnamon and crowded with tender chunks of apple.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of flecked

Adjective

Other invasive plants including Tree of Heaven, the host plant for the highly invasive spotted lanternfly, has been found in The Preserve as well.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of spotted

Verb

Donning a pink skirt suit and matching pillbox hat stained with fake blood, Fox stepped out as the former First Lady during an event for Urban Decay.

— Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2026
The sculptures were frequently stained with graphite or chalk dust, whose force of presence was comparable to that of cliff or cave, capable of stunning the viewer into silence.

— News Desk, Artforum, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of stained

Adjective

However, sometimes chuck and top sirloin are used, offering a richer, more flavorful, marbled cut.

— Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
In a sea of white-marbled wellness spaces, Spencer’s Spa in Williamsburg proves good design is integral to relaxation.

— Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of marbled

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dapple

dappled

dapples

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Style

“Dappled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dappled. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of dappled

adjective

verb

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