dappling

verb

present participle of dapple
as in sprinkling
to mark with small spots especially unevenly sunlight dappled the canopy of vines over our heads

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 dappling Rumours break like waves in some nameless river, dappling our sleeves with falsehood. — Literary Hub, 28 May 2026 The ballpark’s roof was open, the sun still dappling the downtown Miami skyline beyond left field at the start -- a beautiful tableau. — Greg Cote updated March 27, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026 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, 22 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dappling
  1. sprinkling
  2. dotting
  3. staining
Verb
  • Then, to complete the deep clean, Lane suggests, sprinkling baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and running a second hot cycle with no detergent.
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 6 July 2026
  • Teammates see someone more settled in his new surroundings, even sprinkling in some English comebacks to their jokes.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of sprinkling
Verb
  • After creating the base, use a Q-tip or dotting tool to create the evil eye heart accent with red, white, and blue polishes.
    — Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • As decades progressed, neighborhoods began to form around the numerous lakes dotting the map surrounding downtown.
    — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Definition of dotting
Verb
  • Purchase a masonry cleaning solution that includes degreasing solid agents or agents that remove plant staining and mold.
    — Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026
  • This is how to safely clean a jute rug without fraying or staining the fibers.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
Definition of staining

Browse Nearby Words

dapples
dappling
dare
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Cite this Entry

“Dappling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dappling. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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