OpenSynonym

dapple

/ˈdæpəl/

NOUN

1. A mottled or spotted marking

A pattern of irregular spots, patches, or areas of different shades or colors appearing on a surface, usually arranged in clusters.

1.1. Spotted and mottled patterns

Refers to an irregular arrangement of spots, speckles, or patches of contrasting colors or shades on a surface, creating a varied or uneven appearance.

Synonyms

  • mottling
  • speckling
  • spotting
  • blotching
  • flecking

Antonyms

Examples

  • The sunlight created a beautiful dapple effect as it filtered through the leaves of the trees.
  • The orchard was filled with apple trees, their fruit creating a delightful dapple of red and green.
  • The artist admired the intricate dapple across the surface of the painting.

Related Words

VERB

2. To mark with irregular spots or patches

To cover something with irregular spots, patches, or areas of contrasting colors or shades, or to become marked in this way.

2.1. Light and shadow patterns

Used to describe light or sunlight creating irregular patches of brightness and shade across a surface, often when passing through trees, leaves, or other objects.

Synonyms

  • speckle
  • fleck
  • mottle
  • stipple

Antonyms

  • uniformly illuminate
  • even out

Examples

  • The sunlight dappled the forest floor as it passed through the dense canopy.
  • Golden rays dappled the garden path in the early morning.
  • The moving leaves dappled the walls with shifting patterns of light and shadow.

Related Words

2.2. Surfaces and color patterns

Used to describe marking or covering an object, surface, or material with irregular spots, speckles, or patches of different colors.

Synonyms

  • mottle
  • speckle
  • spot
  • fleck
  • stipple

Antonyms

Examples

  • The artist used different shades of gray to dapple the painted surface.
  • Small patches of color dappled the otherwise plain fabric.
  • The sunlight and moisture dappled the stone wall with irregular marks.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

3. Having a mottled or spotted appearance

Describes an animal, particularly its skin or coat, that displays irregular spots, patches, or contrasting areas of color.

3.1. Animal coats and markings

Used to describe animals whose coats have distinctive irregular spots, patches, or mixtures of lighter and darker colors, especially horses.

Synonyms

  • mottled
  • spotted
  • speckled
  • flecked
  • brindled
  • piebald

Antonyms

  • solid-colored
  • unmarked
  • uniform
  • monochromatic

Examples

  • The horse's coat had a lovely dapple pattern, with patches of light and dark colors.
  • The artist captured the intricate details of the dapple pattern on the horse's coat in her painting.
  • The dapple horse stood out among the uniformly colored animals in the stable.

Related Words