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
Both can grow in full sun or part shade, while bromeliads prefer dappled light or full shade. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 30 May 2026 Plant hardy arborvitae in zones 2 through 8, placing containers in areas with dappled sunlight, full sun, or partial shade. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026
Verb
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 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
  • So if the Heat money is there – with or without Giannis Antetokounmpo – Norm signs on the dotted line.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
  • Mercury’s clash with Neptune begs you to hold off on signing on the dotted line.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Definition of dotted
Adjective
  • Saperavi is the starting point for reds — the name means dye in Georgian, a reference to its extraordinary pigmentation, one of only a handful of grapes in the world with naturally colored flesh and juice.
    — Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • People are encouraged to drink plenty of water, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and avoid outdoor activities during the warmest parts fo the day.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
Definition of colored
Verb
  • Plant food is then sprinkled onto the root ball and the surrounding soil.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 2 July 2026
  • Sculptures and paintings by local artists are sprinkled throughout the 18 rooms, which are swathed in pastel shades like apricot and mint, reminiscent of the artwork and architecture in Emirdag’s other home in the South of France.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 1 July 2026
Definition of sprinkled
Adjective
  • The coast is dotted with colorful fishing villages, while the region’s interior is made up of rolling green hills and gently sloped vineyards.
    — Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
  • Fast-food chain Sonic, for instance, has a timely deal and colorful commemorative cups.
    — Mike Snider, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of colorful
Verb
  • Around us were rolling hills flecked with houses, dappled by the sun shining through the clouds.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
  • Open the door to streets lined with trees and flecked with benches, where the bell of the light rail dings its warning as cyclists zip by on narrow roads.
    — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 June 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
  • If your clothing is stained from fabric softener, rinse the spot in the warmest water recommended for the garment.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
  • Semi-sheer, marbled accent nails look like they’ve been stained with blackberry juice.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026
Definition of stained
Adjective
  • Semi-sheer, marbled accent nails look like they’ve been stained with blackberry juice.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026
  • In January, the health secretary rolled out the new food pyramid—with a marbled rib eye in the pole position.
    — David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
Definition of marbled

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dappled
dapples
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Cite this Entry

“Dappled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dappled. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dappled for Spanish Speakers

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