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
  • In her Tinker Bell costume, Ashley seems as thirsty for a peach as Shamea is, reveling in the opportunity to tell her side of the story but obviously sprinkling her own fairy dust of exaggeration into the narrative.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • Then, sprinkling in frequent, intentional movement throughout the workday.
    — Jakob Roze, Health, 23 July 2026
Definition of sprinkling
Verb
  • And Amazon and other merchants gobbled up the ubiquitous concrete cubes dotting the region’s landscape.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 31 July 2026
  • The backstory There are countless historic military forts dotting the islands of Casco Bay, but Fort Scammel on House Island is the only one to have ever seen combat.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of dotting
Verb
  • Water treatment systems that remove excess iron can dramatically reduce staining throughout your home.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
  • Drinking water after coffee can help reduce acidity and wash away staining compounds.
    — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 10 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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