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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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
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The workmanship shows in the color and precision of the grout, the mottling of dark flecks, and the triangular pieces where the arches meet — details that give the façade a subliminal liveliness.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
5 Mar. 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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Serve them with slices of prosciutto or speck, sure.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 July 2025
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Dishes such as beef stew with speck dumplings or Wienerschnitzel in butter breaded veal cutlet, with roasted potatoes and cranberry jam, are big favorites.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Verb
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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
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The marbling itself is called shimofuri and makes for tender cuts of beef that melt in your mouth.—
Yukari Sakamoto,
AFAR Media,
12 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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Easter eggs are peppered throughout the set, with a replica of Disney’s briefcase, books on urban development, a map of Disneyland with upcoming attractions, and a photo of Abraham Lincoln, all of which were in Disney’s office in the early ‘60s.—
Natasha Chen,
CNN Money,
17 July 2025
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Photos peppered his and his agents’ social media, mostly of which were of Duran and Cristiano Ronaldo together.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dapple. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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