Definition of dapplenext
as in fleck
a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part the clouds threw dapples of shadow over the eerily quiet street

Synonyms & Similar Words

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dapple

2 of 2

verb

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 dapple
Noun
In the prelude to a November ballot featuring the candidate synonymous with polarization, all the dapple and nuance of life is once again being reduced to a binary. — Karl Vick, TIME, 2 July 2024 The building's neo-Gothic domes and spires were lit up against the indigo night, creating Impressionist dapples on the river. — Lina Mounzer, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Apr. 2023
Verb
The eight-year-old girl sat obediently for her portrait, her hair dappled in light against foliage. — Literary Hub, 17 July 2026 Let the plant recover in bright, indirect or dappled sunlight for a week, then gradually move it back into more light. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dapple
Noun
  • In addition, since all this debris is moving at orbital velocity, a fleck of paint traveling in the opposite direction to an operational satellite can hit it at a speed in excess of Mach 47.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026
  • As few as 10 cells, hidden in an infinitesimal fleck of feces, can contaminate raw milk and trigger a fatal infection.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Set the scene The hotel is located in the town of Lenox, home to a balanced blend of family locals with young tourists sprinkled very sparsely throughout.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Drizzle with spicy lime dressing and scallion oil and sprinkle with peanuts and sesame seeds.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Earlier this year, YouTube removed the dislike button from YouTube Shorts, suggesting instead that users take advantage of options in the three-dots menu.
    — Jay Peters, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026
  • That precision also makes the applicator useful for creating small, natural-looking freckle dots.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The armpits of the Quran shirt are stained with centuries-old sweat.
    — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • In 2005, a vote-buying scheme known as Mensalão led to the conviction of senior PT figures and stained the party’s image.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Chips could be destroyed by even a speck of dust, so factories became impregnable clean rooms, their workers clad in bunny suits.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The source was generally in good condition, but mold spots and dense clusters of small white specks required careful treatment.
    — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Parthenon marbles date to the 5th century BCE and were originally created for the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The meat on the bones varies in thickness and, thanks to marbling and tough connective tissue, short ribs are ideal for slow cooking.
    — Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Juveniles can be distinguished by their dark facial bands and gray or tan body patterned with black or brown blotches.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Crews are also using steam to remove blotches of chewing gum, which have turned black over time.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • For at least a month, the president has been peppering both executive actions and promises of cash payouts into his midterm campaign schedule and social media posts.
    — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The Glee reboot should pepper the series with some fun cameos from beloved characters, many of whom got cast in the later shakier seasons, as well as some of the most fun guest stars.
    — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dapple. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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