dapples 1 of 2

noun

plural of dapple
as in flecks
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

Relevance

dapples

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of dapple
as in sprinkles
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 dapples
Noun
The intricate diamond cuts and iconic Lismore pattern will cast elegant dapples of light across your table, while the weight of the crystal makes every clink feel even more satisfying. — Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
The 155 guest rooms and suites, freshened up since their rock and roll days, have wood floors with the Hotel Chelsea monogram now inlaid; the sun dapples through ivory eyelet fabric on the windows; and the bathrooms are classically done with light and dark grey marble accentuated by bronze details. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026 Calling on a Rolodex of guest stars (Caroline Polachek, Lorde, Daniel Caesar), Hynes dapples his scenes in golden lo-fi. — Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dapples
  1. flecks
  2. sprinkles
  3. specks
  4. dots
  5. blotches
  6. stains
  7. patches
  8. spots
Noun
  • Amid his vast responsibilities running all the departments in the Giants’ front office, Zaidi still found the time to pore over MLB Draft League statistics and look for flecks of gold.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Little flecks of roasted sweet potato pepper the cake, and a tangy cream cheese glaze is a perfect complement to the warm spices and crunchy topping.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of flecks
Verb
  • Kemery sprinkles the tiny seeds either in late fall or very early spring, when there’s still a chance of frost, since cold spells offer the best germination.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026
  • Thomson sprinkles critique throughout his book like seasoning unevenly applied to a gamey piece of meat.
    — Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Definition of sprinkles
Noun
  • Calcium shows up as bright white specks on the coronary artery images.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Pay close attention to where leaves meet the stem, the underside of leaves, and within the petals for any movement or tiny specks.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of specks
Verb
  • Prepare to be dazzled from Warsaw’s highest viewing terrace atop Varso Tower, which proudly dots the skyline, before eating your way through the innovative food halls that define the coolest neighborhoods.
    — Kasia Dietz, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026
  • Japanese linens top the bed, and designer furniture dots the living space.
    — Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
Definition of dots
Noun
  • Crews are also using steam to remove blotches of chewing gum, which have turned black over time.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The next morning, a galaxy of itchy red bumps and blotches stretched from my shoulder to my hip.
    — Ben Crair, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
Definition of blotches
Verb
  • The self-tan wipes are easy to apply and contain exfoliating acids that smooth the skin, plus encapsulated DHA (the ingredient that stains the skin) to leave behind a radiant tan.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Homemade plum compote stains the filling with a vibrant red ribbon.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of stains
Noun
  • Add the dry ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until no patches of flour remain.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Anastasia’s ultra-slim Brow Wiz has been the industry’s answer for years because its micro-tip draws individual hairs where none exist while filling in patches with fullness.
    — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of patches
Verb
  • And since Jace’s death, she’s treated Baela as nothing more than a defective surveillance drone — a worthless piece of tech that never spots Vhagar.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Officials asked anyone who spots the cat to send a direct message with the exact time and location of the sighting rather than trying to intervene.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of spots

Browse Nearby Words

dappled
dapples
dappling
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dapples.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dapples. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of rigmarole

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All