DAPPLED Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

dappled 1 of 2

adjective

ˈda-pəld

variants also dapple

Definition of dappled

as in dotted

marked with spots a dappled fawn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Trees blow in the breeze, birds chirp, and the dappled sunlight kisses our skin as six of us observe the chef and snap photos during our outdoor mayonnaise-making class. — Lauren David, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2026 Around Woodland Margins In the wild, poison ivy typically grows best in the dappled light along the edges of forests or along hiking trails that get just a touch of sun. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 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

Adjective

The duo worked with curves, sequins and dotted effects to suggest light on water, and drew on Impressionist color contrasts.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Visual cues are both stripped down and strangely compelling, like the dotted line that runs from Nancy’s eyes to indicate her gaze.

— Air Mail, Air Mail, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of dotted

Adjective

There is a wall with removable dashboard panels across the color spectrum and a couple of miniature models of the cab with tiny, colored panels to help customers decide on the details.

— Eric Bangeman, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026
Finance Buzz named Dollar Tree’s solid colored plastic partyware as one of its best dupes for more expensive items.

— Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of colored

Verb

At the launch party, astrological details were sprinkled throughout the evening.

— Clara Hillis, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of sprinkled

Adjective

The results are most effective when the lyrics are tight and embody the colorful feelings that Greene’s music often evokes.

— Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
At Casa Brera, her colorful and sophisticated design appears more timeless than ever, establishing a strong link with the Milanese soul of the place as well as creating a seamless connection between the interior and exterior of the hotel.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of colorful

Verb

The pillowy dough is flecked with cinnamon and crowded with tender chunks of apple.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
Mikey Madison’s pink- and purple-flecked tinsel became one of the defining beauty details of Ani in 2024’s Anora, while Zara Larsson has made shimmering, maximalist hair a fixture of her Midnight Sun era.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of flecked

Adjective

Other invasive plants including Tree of Heaven, the host plant for the highly invasive spotted lanternfly, has been found in The Preserve as well.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of spotted

Verb

Bookshelves are crammed with novels and almanacs, the wood boards of the ceilings stained dark in delicious contrast to the clean white walls and creamy linen furnishings.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
The yellow color from the fenbendazole stained his white goatee.

— Trisha Thadani Kirsten Potter Tanya Pérez Devin Murphy, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of stained

Adjective

These French-style pins come in a marbled cardboard case that’s perfect for gifting.

— Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
Earthy browns and creamy neutrals melt into one another, while a luminous cat-eye finish lends the marbled design a little extra shine.

— Amanda Le, InStyle, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of marbled

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dapple

dappled

dapples

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Style

“Dappled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dappled. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of dappled

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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