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
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 Maintain even moisture Tree and woodland peonies do better in dappled light, but herbaceous peonies require 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight daily for best flowering and upright growth. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 29 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
  • But what is clear is that challenges remain ahead for Erik Spoelstra’s team even after Giannis Antetokounmpo signs Monday on that dotted line.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2026
  • The dotted floral design adds a subtle pattern without feeling too bold, and matching shams are available to complete the look.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of dotted
Adjective
  • The striking image peers through the Milky Way at millions of multi-colored stars appearing against a backdrop of galaxies.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Kristian Gadea, a rising senior at Bellarmine College Prep, designed the bright-colored flyer for the dinner and also volunteered at the event.
    — Eliana Aguilar, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Definition of colored
Verb
  • Plant food is then sprinkled onto the root ball and the surrounding soil.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 2 July 2026
  • Sculptures and paintings by local artists are sprinkled throughout the 18 rooms, which are swathed in pastel shades like apricot and mint, reminiscent of the artwork and architecture in Emirdag’s other home in the South of France.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 1 July 2026
Definition of sprinkled
Adjective
  • Birding is growing in popularity across Georgia, where backyards, parks and green spaces offer opportunities to spot everything from soaring raptors to colorful song birds.
    — Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
  • What to do nearby Marrakech—one of the most dynamic, colorful, historic, lively, and hedonistic cities in Morocco—is five minutes away, and within walking distance.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Definition of colorful
Verb
  • Around us were rolling hills flecked with houses, dappled by the sun shining through the clouds.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
  • Open the door to streets lined with trees and flecked with benches, where the bell of the light rail dings its warning as cyclists zip by on narrow roads.
    — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 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
  • If your clothing is stained from fabric softener, rinse the spot in the warmest water recommended for the garment.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
  • Semi-sheer, marbled accent nails look like they’ve been stained with blackberry juice.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026
Definition of stained
Adjective
  • Semi-sheer, marbled accent nails look like they’ve been stained with blackberry juice.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026
  • In January, the health secretary rolled out the new food pyramid—with a marbled rib eye in the pole position.
    — David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 27 June 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dappled for Spanish Speakers

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