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

Most hydrangeas flower best either in dappled light or in a location with morning sun and light afternoon shade. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 28 July 2026 Their markings serve as camouflage, blending in with a dappled light pattern. — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 18 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

Adjective

To reduce confusion, the top plate has a dotted pattern around each key position that can accept a magnetic switch.

— Francisco Lahoz, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2026
The black dotted forecast line shows the multi-model median whereas the surrounding range shows the 25th–75th percentiles.

— Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of dotted

Adjective

There were beautiful boulevards, sweeping bridges over the Moskva River, wide Stalin-era avenues lined with imposing granite buildings, and quiet nineteenth-century neighborhoods of pastel-colored mansions.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Located within the historic Castle District, the area features cobbled streets, several museums, and the striking Matthias Church, which is known for its highly detailed, multi-colored interior décor.

— Lucy Handley, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of colored

Adjective

By the late 1960s, his portfolio included colorful posters and designs that appeared widely in popular culture, according to his official website.

— Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
The colorful soiree, which is entering its 42nd year, marks the end of carnival season and stretches over two weekends.

— Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of colorful

Verb

The creamy consistency gives the pie a dreamy texture, with little pops of crunch from the passionfruit seeds flecked throughout the custard.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
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

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

The case has attracted widespread attention because the nature of Fortune’s death recalled lynchings in the Southern state, which has a tumultuous civil rights history stained by episodes of racial violence.

— Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Several others said the incident has stained India’s credibility and the Hindu religion.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of stained

Adjective

Set the scene Upon entering, don't let the grandiose, atrium-esque, white-marbled lobby fool you into thinking there's an ounce of formality or stuffiness here.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026
Lastly, the sneaker’s marbled outsole has been given a glow-in-the-dark treatment — a longtime staple of Nike’s Halloween sneakers.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of marbled

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dappled

dapples

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“Dappled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dappled. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of dappled

adjective

verb

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