as in sprinkling
to mark with small spots especially unevenly
sunlight dappled the canopy of vines over our heads
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Recent Examples of dappling
In my mind, that always meant at least a plane ride's worth of travel—me in safari gear, sunlight dappling through the canopy, and swinging vines overhead.
—
Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2025
Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dappling
Verb
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Consider sprinkling stevia over your oatmeal.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
3 Nov. 2025
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For tougher stains, Stein suggests sprinkling baking soda over the area and then spraying it with a mixture of vinegar and water.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
1 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Visitors were treated to a traditional lion dance, complete with the eye-dotting ceremony that symbolized good fortune and energy for the new venture.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
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The area put on a display of yellow aspen trees dotting the mountains between evergreens, their delicate leaves vibrating in the wind.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Remove any heavy objects from the sides of your tub, as these items can cause chips or cracking that can contribute to staining.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
28 Oct. 2025
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Additionally, these shoes are machine washable, so don’t worry about staining the gorgeous light pink shoes on your next adventure!—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dappling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dappling. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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