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
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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
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Recent Examples of dapple
Clara Moskowitz,
Scientific American,
17 Nov. 2022
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
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 dapple
Noun
Gleaming spots caused by methane ice clouds in the planet's atmosphere dapple its lower half.
—
Clara Moskowitz,
Scientific American,
17 Nov. 2022
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
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.
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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 dapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dapple
Noun
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Light streams through the frosted glass, catching flecks of dust.
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But flecks of green were visible throughout the stadium as Algeria fans made their presence known as well.
Verb
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Generously sprinkle both sides of the steak well with the dry rub mix.
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Thomson sprinkles critique throughout his book like seasoning unevenly applied to a gamey piece of meat.
Noun
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Inspiration came from the toe pads of frogs, and the shoe’s launch colorway leaned into the theme further with a tonal green dot pattern invoking poison dart frogs.
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Each dot of light holds its own place and timing inside the swarm.
Verb
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Semi-sheer, marbled accent nails look like they’ve been stained with blackberry juice.
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Dressing up for warmer weather can be a challenge since plush fabrics like silk can easily stain and aren’t as breathable.
Noun
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Flash frames, scratches and specks of dust pop up randomly on the screen.
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Last night, England played its first game of the tournament—a rematch against Croatia, in Dallas—and the defensive prowess was a speck on the horizon; both sides scored twice in a breathless first half.
Verb
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Veining helps marbled white quartz countertops adopt the look of real Calacatta marble.
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To create marbling, run a table knife (or wooden skewer) through the batters in a swirling motion.
Noun
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Verticillium wilt causes similar blotches and yellowing.
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Pine snakes can grow up to 56 inches in length, have black, brown, and russet scales with dark blotches along their backs, and are noted for having a pointed nose, which experts believe may help with burrowing.
Verb
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Stern peppered Sheridan with questions, including a dive into the dangers of prison showers.
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How to Add Vintage Rugs to Your Space Follow these tips from designers on how to pepper your home with vintage rugs.
Cite this Entry
“Dapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dapple. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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