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
Relevance
as in to sprinkle
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 dapple
Dallas News, 9 May 2022
Piglet is a Chihuahua-dachshund mix, with a genetic condition called double dapple that causes eyesight and hearing difficulties.
—Susan Dunne, courant.com, 29 Jan. 2022
Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Feb. 2026
The day was otherwise cheerful; sunshine dappled through evergreen boughs.
—Scott Eden, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dapple
Noun
While out on walks in Dallas’ Uptown, people often stop Alison Roche to ask about her brown, dapple, floppy-eared dachshund.
—Dallas News, 9 May 2022
Piglet is a Chihuahua-dachshund mix, with a genetic condition called double dapple that causes eyesight and hearing difficulties.
—Susan Dunne, courant.com, 29 Jan. 2022
Verb
The bundle is painted with butter then toasted on a flattop until dappled.
—Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Feb. 2026
The day was otherwise cheerful; sunshine dappled through evergreen boughs.
—Scott Eden, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dapple
Noun
-
Its design, crafted by Russell Sage Studio, is meant to be an on-the-nose reflection of the distillery's famed product, with bronzy walls the color of its single malt, and a ceiling painted to look like barley, reflecting the morning dew with flecks of gold throughout.—
Alessandra Amodio,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Berber carpet Berber is a type of loop pile carpet with flecks of color.—
Faith Wakefield,
USA Today,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Today, this custom has evolved into subtler hints of the color, quietly hidden in the bridal look or sprinkled throughout the events of the day.—
Rosie Jarman,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Gently sprinkle remaining salt mixture over yolks and tightly wrap dish with plastic.—
Christopher Kostow,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Sullivan said Rodriguez will wear the green dot as the player who receives radio communication from coach Jeff Hafley, who will call Miami’s defense, in due time.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Now, the Cowboys not only have experience in there, but also a player who can be the lead communicator, wearing the green dot on his helmet, for a defense that was missing that final crucial piece after a busy offseason reconstructing that unit.—
Nick Harris
April 25,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
On TikTok, short videos often show people traveling to Turkey to fix their uneven or stained teeth and transform their smiles.—
K.H. Koehler,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Customize it by painting the wood a fun color or staining it for a rustic look.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Then suddenly, every speck of pollen, dust and grime is impossible to ignore.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Featuring bolder, thicker spots at the top and more refined, micro specks down the skirt, this mini dress makes all-day, fashionable wear easier than ever.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Additionally, unlike traditional bleaching which tends to give fabrics a flat look, Zero allows marbling.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The lack of marbling, fat, and bone diminishes the beefy taste of these cuts.—
Sheena Chihak,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This was a black one with blotches faintly outlined in pale yellow, a beautiful but deadly looking animal.—
Dr. C. E. Kuschel,
Outdoor Life,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The eggs vary in color—from white to blue to brown—with speckles, blotches, and other markings and are also distinctive in shape.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Artworks by Dominican artists are peppered throughout the building, lending the resort a gallery-like vibe.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
In it, ink markings peppered her features, illustrating exactly where a surgeon would soon cut her skin open.—
Rheana Murray,
The Atlantic,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dapple. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
