as in sprinkling
to mark with small spots especially unevenly
sunlight dappled the canopy of vines over our heads
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of dappling
The ballpark’s roof was open, the sun still dappling the downtown Miami skyline beyond left field at the start -- a beautiful tableau.
—
Greg Cote
updated March 27, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
In my mind, that always meant at least a plane ride's worth of travel—me in safari gear, sunlight dappling through the canopy, and swinging vines overhead.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
Greg Cote
updated March 27, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
In my mind, that always meant at least a plane ride's worth of travel—me in safari gear, sunlight dappling through the canopy, and swinging vines overhead.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dappling
Verb
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Some suggest sprinkling it on the soil around your plants to keep slugs away, but baking soda has the potential of seeping into the soil and damaging roots.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
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But in 2026, simply sprinkling in a few whimsical accents isn’t quite enough.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Umbrellas are dotting the viewing area as a Marine band entertains guests.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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And some nail artists use a dotting tool or a thin nail brush dipped into the thick gel to fashion their dew-like beads.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Allow the area to dry and repeat the process if visible mold or staining remains.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
25 Apr. 2026
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If your books have already been affected, the staining will likely remain—even after treatment—and mold may return, Fifield warns.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dappling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dappling. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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