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
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 dappled
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2025
Azaleas should be planted in an area with morning sun and afternoon shade, or under tall trees with light, dappled shade.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2025
This creeping groundcover thrives in dappled shade and is a good choice for the front of a perennial border or growing between trees and shrubs in a woodland garden.
—Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
The dappled pink clouds in Washington around the Tidal Basin draw residents and tourists annually for a rite of spring.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dappled
Adjective
The glass roof is fitted with strands of air plants suspended on stainless steel wires that provide dappled shade while eliminating the need for watering.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2025
Azaleas should be planted in an area with morning sun and afternoon shade, or under tall trees with light, dappled shade.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2025
This creeping groundcover thrives in dappled shade and is a good choice for the front of a perennial border or growing between trees and shrubs in a woodland garden.
—Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
The dappled pink clouds in Washington around the Tidal Basin draw residents and tourists annually for a rite of spring.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dappled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dappled
Adjective
-
The men’s fedora, known as the Foreman, is hand-blocked from molasses metallic flecked straw braid.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
7 Apr. 2025
-
The dashboard is swathed in a flecked, mélange-style fabric that is based on a traditional Japanese hand-weaving technique called Nishijin-ori.—
Mara Balagtas McIlwrath,
Car and Driver,
1 June 2023
Adjective
-
Bosa, Sardinia, Italy Renowned for its colorful houses and the medieval Malaspina Castle, Bosa is situated about two-thirds of the way up the west coast of Sardinia, on a small hill about 3km inland on the north bank of the Temo River.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
-
In the center of the colorful drink is a butterfly pea blossom ice sphere topped with gold luster dust.—
Natalia Senanayake,
People.com,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
The whole rug needs to get wet or colors in the fiber could migrate and result in a blotched look.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2025
-
Its leaves are deciduous and sometimes white-blotched.—
Howard Garrett,
Dallas News,
16 Aug. 2021
Adjective
-
Who doesn’t love a bold red from Rioja paired with a well marbled ribeye steak or a juicy Zinfandel served with a slow cooked pork shoulder?—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
15 May 2025
-
Meet the Italian Resin Flat Brush, a beautiful 2023 Best of Beauty-winner made of marbled Italian resin, nylon and boar bristles, complete with a satisfying heft.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dappled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dappled. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share