variants
also dapple
1
as in dotted
marked with spots
a dappled fawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
as in sprinkled
to mark with small spots especially unevenly
sunlight dappled the canopy of vines over our heads
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dappled
Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 25 Mar. 2026
This hardy perennial grows in dappled light or full shade.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
Mary Winston Nicklin, AFAR Media, 20 Jan. 2026
All have green leaves dappled with white, yellow, or pale green.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dappled
Adjective
Look for locations on your property that seem to get plenty of shade (or dappled shade), and lots of moisture.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 25 Mar. 2026
This hardy perennial grows in dappled light or full shade.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
The former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, Napoleon’s grandnephew, opened in 2010 as the 100-room Shangri-La Paris, complete with a spa and sun-dappled pool about 56 feet long.
—Mary Winston Nicklin, AFAR Media, 20 Jan. 2026
All have green leaves dappled with white, yellow, or pale green.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dappled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dappled
Adjective
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Similar to the actress’s blouse, this Amazon find has billowy long sleeves, a playful dotted print, and a tie neckline that adds extra fashion flair when poking out from under spring jackets and blazers.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Cane-Like Begonias Cane-like begonias, known as angel wings, are known for their glossy, dotted, or hairy foliage.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
When the Woods Hole Science Aquarium reopens in 2027, the split-colored lobster is expected to be among the animals on display for visitors — a 1-in-50-million catch that went from a Cape Cod fishing boat to a permanent home at a Massachusetts aquarium.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
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Deputies put out a be-on-the-lookout for a dark-colored car.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Roast chickpeas to make a crunchy snack (that can also be sprinkled over salads and grain bowls).—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
28 Apr. 2026
-
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
Adjective
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Born Ereunna McCoy, BunnaB captures the spirit of Atlanta through colorful, witty rhymes and catchy adlibs, boosted by her vibrant delivery.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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But the Shedd outlasted the mobsters and Lord knows what else in its home city’s colorful history and now is trying to raise $500 million over eight years in honor of its pending 100th anniversary in 2030.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The biscuits, flecked with frilly sprigs of dill, are pulled together with sour cream, giving them tenderness and a mild tang.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
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Locked in a safe on her desk at Boston University’s Institute for Astrophysical Research is a shard of meteorite flecked with material older than the sun.—
James Dinneen,
Quanta Magazine,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Data from iNaturalist users helps track the migration of invasive species, like the spotted lanternfly.—
David Pogue,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
-
The resulting hybrid has characteristics of both plants but with softer spines than agaves and the spotted patterns of manfreda plants.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Additional surveillance footage showed Marcelin in his building's laundry room cleaning a kitchen mat that appears stained with blood, according to prosecutors.—
Ben Brachfeld,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
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One of them, Amy, a blond child with limp ponytails and a thin dress that looks like it might have been stained, stands outside a porch door, her fists balled up, mouth open, angry or unhappy or both.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Customers can find ribs, jerky, steaks including marbled ribeye, filet mignon, briskets, roasts, ground beef and tallow.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Apr. 2026
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Grilled Steak With Chunky Guacamole Salad This well-marbled, flavorful flat iron steak is marinated in olive oil and taco seasoning, then seared on the stove and served with an easy pico de gallo with chunks of avocado.—
Deputy Food Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dappled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dappled. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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