variants
also dapple
1
as in dotted
marked with spots
a dappled fawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
Edged in travertine, the screens create dappled patterns when the sun shines.
—Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 29 Mar. 2026
Jazmine Hughes, Allure, 24 Mar. 2026
The bundle is painted with butter then toasted on a flattop until dappled.
—Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dappled
Adjective
Planting in the wrong light Sun and shade requirements are easy to misjudge, especially as mature trees grow in and once-sunny beds become dappled over time.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
Edged in travertine, the screens create dappled patterns when the sun shines.
—Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
The rapper, dressed in an oversized silk bonnet and Uggs, is marking the moves, but her dancers are performing full-out, their cropped halter tops and durags dappled with sweat.
—Jazmine Hughes, Allure, 24 Mar. 2026
The bundle is painted with butter then toasted on a flattop until dappled.
—Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dappled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dappled
Adjective
-
Mercury’s clash with Neptune begs you to hold off on signing on the dotted line.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
It’s liberally dotted with the designer’s personal collection of art and antiques, but still manages to feel pared-back—as if a Scandinavian fairy came down and waved all the potential clutter away.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
The telegram’s design is joyful and vivid, featuring illustrations of tiny hands tossing multi-colored hats and flowers into the air in a gesture of congratulation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
The throwback elements of Rush’s show – the zigzagging colored lasers, the bursts of pyro that momentarily stunned with their booms, the gratification of watching musicians so focused on their music that running around the stage was not an option – reminded of a simpler era of concert-going.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Cubes of French bread are drizzled with butter, generously sprinkled with Swiss and Parmesan cheeses, and soaked with a luscious custard.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
-
Its Caffe Nico is a latte with orange juice and orange peels reduced into a syrup, then sprinkled with cinnamon.—
Jenna Thompson
June 10,
Kansas City Star,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Sprouting from its Inlet Parking Lot, the historic Boardwalk features a lively mix of colorful shops, enticing restaurants, arcades and more.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
-
Plants with colorful or fragrant blooms attract insects for pollination, and are less likely to affect allergies.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Occasional white patches flecked the landscape, alkali deposits where even prairie grass and scrub cottonwood refused to grow.—
Eric Moskowitz,
The Atlantic,
31 May 2026
-
Dishes of shepherd’s pie blanketed in smooth, buttery mashed potatoes flecked with cheddar cheese.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Bites can cause rickettsia parkeri, a type of spotted fever.—
Sophie Lindberg,
Kansas City Star,
8 June 2026
-
The spotted fish thrashes angrily, disturbing the waters so that the pool’s edge laps against the rock.—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
In another video published by B’Tselem capturing the moments after the incident, Sam’s father can be seen standing by the car, cradling his baby, whose bright yellow clothing can be seen stained with blood.—
Sarah Dean,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
-
Every blue jersey will be stained with blood by the end of the match.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Think massive suites inside the mansion with four-poster beds, marbled bathrooms, and sitting rooms with views across the lawn.—
Harriet Marsden,
TheWeek,
2 June 2026
-
Some versions lean into chrome accents and creative marbled effects, while others take a more literal approach inspired by the fruity drink itself.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dappled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dappled. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
