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
For optimal outdoor care, provide dappled shade and water whenever the top inch of soil is dry. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026 Visitors moved from the sandstone cliffs of Antelope Canyon to the dappled light of the Ponderosa forests, and then the bright starscape of the Sonoran Desert. — Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 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
  • On one of the surviving Ottoman maps of Athens, it’s indicated by a dotted line, a marking that also indicated what is believed to have been a plan of underground tunnels below the citadel.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
  • The United Kingdom’s queen consort wore a long-sleeve midi dress in black and white with a geometric, dotted pattern throughout the fabric.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 July 2026
Definition of dotted
Adjective
  • White wines might look more yellow, or reds may be brick-colored or brownish.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
  • The dark-colored wash is a nice, polished touch—even with their relaxed silhouette, and midriff bearing rise.
    — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 18 July 2026
Definition of colored
Verb
  • Though there are monuments and memorials — sidewalk plaques, benches, murals — sprinkled around the globe, there appear to be very few Jackson statues permanently displayed in the United States.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026
  • Disney sprinkled its famous pixie dust on the ship by adding the longest roller coaster at sea, a three-deck-tall castle and an open-air Marvel superhero stunt show.
    — Christian Sylt, Fortune, 16 July 2026
Definition of sprinkled
Adjective
  • The atmosphere may seem a little less colorful and little less festive.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Farris' depictions – drawn in a loose, minimal style with a bright, colorful palette – offer generalities that seem relatable for those who have attended med school.
    — Tahneer Oksman, NPR, 23 July 2026
Definition of colorful
Verb
  • 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
  • Around us were rolling hills flecked with houses, dappled by the sun shining through the clouds.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 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
  • Now—before there is another name, another van, another street stained with blood that didn't have to be spilled.
    — Kica Matos, Time, 17 July 2026
  • Santoro, 50, looks menacing in one shot, holding a pair of scissors stained with blood.
    — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
Definition of stained
Adjective
  • 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
  • Gaga recently reissued the project to celebrate its tenth anniversary, offering it for sale on an opaque pink marbled wax record.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 8 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 26 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dappled for Spanish Speakers

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