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
Amy Astley, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025
There was quality dappled with calamity as United hunted City’s back line and haunted goalkeeper Khiara Keating with their aggressive press.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 May 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
With the doors flung open and sun dappling the eclectic interiors, Ngoc Minh Ngo’s photos really convey the easy-breezy quality of summer life for the lucky family.
—Amy Astley, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025
There was quality dappled with calamity as United hunted City’s back line and haunted goalkeeper Khiara Keating with their aggressive press.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dapple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dapple
Noun
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Although other pests cause similar damage, thrips damage is often associate with numerous small flecks of dark green to black fecal matter.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
5 Aug. 2025
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While mostly white-colored overall, hues of pink can be visible along with black flecks spread along the plant.—
Emily Leahy,
Hartford Courant,
19 July 2025
Verb
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Place cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions in a large bowl, and sprinkle with pickling salt.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Southern Living,
17 Aug. 2025
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Brush with a little bit of the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.—
Gretchen McKay,
Boston Herald,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Mosquito bites appear as puffy red bumps, with a red dot or blister in the center.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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While Cohen isn’t sure she’s done with working in the film industry, for now her focus is on Every Day Action: connecting the dots – one set, one meal, one person at a time.—
Kathleen Toner,
CNN Money,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The color is also anti-fade, and won’t stain, shrink, or wrinkle.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Aug. 2025
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Block after block across metropolitan Milwaukee, piles of soaked carpets, waterlogged appliances and furniture stained beyond recognition now slump in front yards and along sidewalks.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The recipe for bulldog gravy originated in Appalachian coal mining communities, rooted in kitchens where resourceful cooks knew how to wrest every speck of flavor from humble ingredients.—
Sheri Castle,
Southern Living,
6 Aug. 2025
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His eyes gleamed, without a single speck of jealousy.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
29 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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Its back has orange and gray markings with a scattering of darker brown blotches.—
Aspen Pflughoeft
Updated July 9,
Miami Herald,
9 July 2025
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The baby was purple-gray-colored, in blotches; wet, smeared in blood and what looked like whitish wax.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 July 2025
Verb
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Livramento, Lewis Hall and Kieran Trippier look to advance from full-back and pepper the area with crosses.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
13 Aug. 2025
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Over the course of three legislative committee hearings in less than two weeks, state lawmakers peppered the Texas Lottery Commission's top executive with questions about why the agency did nothing to stop third-party vendors from using a smartphone app to sell tickets to players.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dapple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dapple. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
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