DAMPEN Synonyms: 150 Similar and Opposite Words

dampen

verb

ˈdam-pən

Definition of dampen

as in to moisten

to make or become slightly or moderately wet dampen a paper towel with water and use it to clean up the mess

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reduce

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling the oppressive heat dampened our spirits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to undermine

to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality nothing could dampen their enthusiasm

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 dampen Then, use a towel or a mop dampened with water to remove excess soap. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2026 None of these concerns has dampened Yang’s enthusiasm for metagenomics, however. — Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026 Instead, Deimos’ fractured interior dampened the force of the impact, according to the study authors. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 Yields have climbed higher as softer inflation and labor data have dampened the picture for Fed rate hikes, which the market has already priced in. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dampen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampen

Verb

As with tarping, mow ragweed plants down first, moisten the soil with your hose, anchor the plastic sheeting over the soil with rocks or landscape staples, and leave the sheeting in place for 4 to 6 weeks during hot weather.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
Mix with a spatula until the dry ingredients are just moistened; do not overmix.

— Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of moisten

Verb

Its movements and squeaks change in response to the person interacting with it, giving caregivers another way to reduce distress and encourage engagement.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
For instance, a creditor might bid $35,000 for a $50,000 SUV, reducing the judgment by that amount, then sell it for $50,000, pocketing $15,000.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of reduce

Verb

Western officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of conducting a campaign of sabotage and disruption in their countries with the aim of undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations, something Russia denies.

— Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Western officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of running a campaign of sabotage and disruption in their countries with the aim of undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations, something Russian officials deny.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of undermine

Verb

This helps the roots start growing but doesn’t make the bulbs damp enough to rot.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026
The chassis features a unique rear hinge that splits slightly upon impact, helping to damp street vibrations and preventing the scooter from bottoming out on minor debris.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of damp

Verb

At least one expert said that some workers could have access to oxygen, but others warned that the chances of finding survivors were diminishing.

— Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Violence diminishes its victims, forcing everyone to play a single thankless role.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of diminish

Verb

Even if Korea can maintain 2% economic growth over the next two decades, consumption growth gradually weakens and eventually turns negative, according to Goldman’s long-term modeling.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Riggs said the Teamsters’ safety argument is weakened by the inconsistent safety record of human truck drivers, who have fallen asleep at the wheel or driven while distracted or otherwise impaired.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of weaken

Verb

Havenith said deliberately wetting clothing can provide evaporative cooling, including for older adults who may not sweat as effectively.

— Aya Diab, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
For best results, water deeply at the base of the plant, allowing moisture to soak into the root zone rather than wetting the foliage, says Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of wet

Verb

Too much intention, too much Trying to Say, too much overarching metaphor, can deaden your work.

— Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
Each presents a group portrait of a handful of disaffected British suburbanites—husbands who resent their deadening jobs, toddlers who whine and interrupt, and, above all, hassled wives subsumed by a crush of household obligations.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of deaden

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damped

dampen

dampened

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Style

“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampen. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of dampen

verb

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