dappled 1 of 2

adjective

ˈda-pəld How to pronounce dappled (audio)
variants also dapple
Definition of dapplednext
1
as in dotted
marked with spots a dappled fawn

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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
  1. dotted
  2. colored
  3. sprinkled
  4. colorful
  5. flecked
  6. spotted
  7. stained
  8. marbled
Adjective
  • For an easy finishing touch, toss a dotted floral throw pillow onto your sofa or bed to bring in warmer tones and cozier textures.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The dotted centers of the doodle-looking flowers were instead clusters of spotlights that could point in different directions.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of dotted
Adjective
  • This 24-ounce stainless steel Owala + Starbucks water bottle features a cream-colored finish with vibrant seasonal accents and a playful pumpkin design.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Dark and colored materials absorb more solar energy and consequently heat up.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of colored
Verb
  • However, the Tar Heels have some dangerous playmakers sprinkled around the roster, including sophomore running back Demon June and junior wide receiver Jordan Shipp, who had 84 yards against TCU last season.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Coltrane is also deeply interested in the Buddhist principles of karma and dharma, or the moral duties and obligations to a right way of life, which are sprinkled throughout the novel.
    — Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of sprinkled
Adjective
  • The change extends across the company’s cereal portfolio, which includes colorful favorites Lucky Charms and Trix, plus Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Chex, Wheaties, Reese’s Puffs, Kix and the seasonal Monster Cereals, among others.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
  • This was the era when Parton discovered that her fearless purview and colorful fashion sense could attract fans well beyond her core country constituency.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 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
  • 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
  • Normally, doctors can detect spotted fever Rickettsia lanei by performing specialized laboratory tests on skin or blood samples.
    — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Definition of spotted
Verb
  • Like all silicone they will get stained by more pigmented foods.
    — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
  • But even the most dependable pieces eventually become too stained, scratched, or mismatched for food storage.
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of stained
Adjective
  • 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
  • The marbled jean features wild horses surrounded by watercolor wind, rendered beautifully across a trouser-like fit that's cut close to the hips before flowing outward from the body to the floor.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of marbled

Browse Nearby Words

dapple
dappled
dapples
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Cite this Entry

“Dappled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dappled. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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