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
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
Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025
Bordered by a wide greenway, the low-lying assemblage of former mills and storehouses was dappled with old-world-style bakeries and innovative kitchens.
—Hanna Raskin, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2025
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
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
Gradually introduce them to dappled light and more sun (as appropriate for the plant’s preferences) over the course of a couple of weeks or so.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025
Bordered by a wide greenway, the low-lying assemblage of former mills and storehouses was dappled with old-world-style bakeries and innovative kitchens.
—Hanna Raskin, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dapple
Noun
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Unlike formulas packed with visible flecks of glitter, this one is completely sparkle-free.—
Claire Sullivan,
Footwear News,
1 Aug. 2025
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In any case, there are sure to be at least a few flecks of moss or lichen, gray or gray-green, on that side.—
Ted Updike,
Outdoor Life,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Swap the bananas for berries or apple slices and sprinkle with cinnamon for a flavor change.—
Morgan Pearson,
Verywell Health,
25 July 2025
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House said one of her family’s favorite fiber-rich snacks is in-the-shell edamame that is steamed or microwaved and sprinkled with salt.—
Lauren Manaker MS,
Health,
24 July 2025
Noun
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Start by connecting the dots between your work and the organization's bigger goals.—
Dr. Cynthia J. Young,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
-
Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer Cécile McLorin Salvant will connect the dots between baroque, folk music and jazz.—
Beth Wood,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 July 2025
Verb
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However, the damage was done, thanks to the anchoring bias where the news broke, it was already stained in people’s memory.—
Pamela N. Danziger,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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It was stained in several places, disintegrating around the edges, and already yellowing due to years of exposure to air and sunlight and, quite possibly, pipe tobacco.—
Darcy Ballantyne
July 16,
Literary Hub,
16 July 2025
Noun
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The threatening hunk of rock appears as just a speck of light through even the strongest astronomical tools.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
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Using data from ground and space telescopes, the researchers were able to pinpoint the moment when the first specks of planet-forming material began to coalesce around the protostar.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
18 July 2025
Verb
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While Edmonton Oilers fans focus on the famous veteran wingers who were lost to free agency, the organization is focused on a new-look group that marbles youth, experience and the unknown in hopes of adding speed and goals.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
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Original price: $109.99 Get Crocs' signature marbled look in a sneaker version with the Echo Storm marble clog.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2025
Noun
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The loaches are generally brown and yellow, with saddle-like blotches along their backs, according to the study.—
Irene Wright
July 9,
Miami Herald,
9 July 2025
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It’s usually identified by its white, fleshy taproot with reddish spots that resemble a parsnip, along with hollow stems marked by small purple blotches, according to the N.C. State Extension.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Another Leshem series that Schenker was closely involved with is Bad Boy, which peppered dozens of Netflix top 10s when it was picked up by the streamer earlier this year.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
29 July 2025
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Lawrence’s read of the dog-superhero relationship isn’t entirely off base, as some frostier moments between the pup and man of steel are peppered throughout the movie.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dapple. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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