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
Trees blow in the breeze, birds chirp, and the dappled sunlight kisses our skin as six of us observe the chef and snap photos during our outdoor mayonnaise-making class. — Lauren David, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2026 Around Woodland Margins In the wild, poison ivy typically grows best in the dappled light along the edges of forests or along hiking trails that get just a touch of sun. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 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 duo worked with curves, sequins and dotted effects to suggest light on water, and drew on Impressionist color contrasts.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Visual cues are both stripped down and strangely compelling, like the dotted line that runs from Nancy’s eyes to indicate her gaze.
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of dotted
Adjective
  • To begin her drawings, Trouvé pours bleach onto blank sheets of industrial colored paper.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Lifelike Cat With a face full of fur and electric-green-colored contacts, this cat costume begs to be seen.
    — Michella Oré, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of colored
Verb
  • Chandeliers hang above the water, while multiple seating and dining areas are sprinkled about the marble-floored space.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Give me the candy candy and then some Reese and mini Hershey peanut chocolate sprinkled in.
    — Jake Ciely, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of sprinkled
Adjective
  • The rooms, with colorful textiles, ceramics from Oaxaca’s La Chicharra studio, whitewashed walls offset with dark sapodilla wood floors, are cool and welcoming after a day in the bright sun.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Polish artist and designer Sonia Górecka often turns to folklore for her ethereal textile creations, mixing and matching traditional pagan figures and motifs on sheer curtains and colorful hanging jacquard weavings.
    — Francesca Perry, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of colorful
Verb
  • The pillowy dough is flecked with cinnamon and crowded with tender chunks of apple.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Mikey Madison’s pink- and purple-flecked tinsel became one of the defining beauty details of Ani in 2024’s Anora, while Zara Larsson has made shimmering, maximalist hair a fixture of her Midnight Sun era.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 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
  • Over time, white towels can become dingy or stained, losing their bright appearance and fluffy texture.
    — Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In the distance was a bronze statue of Louis XIV on a rearing horse in the majestic Place des Victoires, its stone pedestal stained by protesters’ splashes of red paint.
    — Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of stained
Adjective
  • These French-style pins come in a marbled cardboard case that’s perfect for gifting.
    — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Earthy browns and creamy neutrals melt into one another, while a luminous cat-eye finish lends the marbled design a little extra shine.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of marbled

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dappled
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Cite this Entry

“Dappled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dappled. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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