damps

verb

present tense third-person singular of damp
1
as in undermines
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality refused to let the setbacks damp his drive for success

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dampens
to make or become slightly or moderately wet damp the shirt slightly before ironing it

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3
as in reduces
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling nothing seemed to damp the unwelcome attentions of her suitor

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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 damps Ash wood damps the micro-vibrations of rough urban pavement in a way aluminum and steel can't match without extra engineering. — Omar Kardoudi april 15, New Atlas, 15 Apr. 2026 While the standard model damps the road irregularities, the S feels more glued down, even in its softest setting, Sport. — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damps
  1. undermines
  2. dampens
  3. reduces
  4. weakens
  5. moistens
  6. deadens
  7. exhausts
  8. wets
Verb
  • Opponents of the death penalty say Robertson’s case undermines claims that executions deter murder.
    — David Fischer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • An instructor who demands agreement with a pro-Israel position undermines intellectual freedom just as surely as one who demands agreement with an anti-Israel position.
    — Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of undermines
Verb
  • That’s in no small part because of a strong, brewing El Niño, which typically dampens Atlantic hurricanes with unfavorable wind conditions.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The Science Behind The Concept Research indicates that music reduces cortisol levels​, the stress hormone that impairs decision-making and dampens focus.
    — Roy Ward, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of dampens
Verb
  • This reduces the turbulence around the suspension and in the trailer’s wake, and lowers the aerodynamic drag.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
  • There are studies suggesting that being on a regular training regimen reduces your risk of cancer recurrence.
    — Samantha Ciaccia, Glamour, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of reduces
Verb
  • If one connection weakens, Halo can use other available links to preserve connectivity.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Precipitation is expected to gradually taper off Thursday afternoon as the storm system moves east and weakens.
    — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of weakens
Verb
  • Buttermilk makes this cake tender while adding vegetable oil moistens the cake.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 May 2026
  • Users place the pouch between the gum and upper lip, where saliva moistens it and releases nicotine.
    — Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026
Definition of moistens
Verb
  • Oppressively hot, lie-down-and-take-a-nap hot, hydration-break hot, the kind of hot that deadens feet.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
Definition of deadens
Verb
  • Instead of occupying both sides with large cooling vents, air enters toward the front of the station and exhausts through the rear.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
  • If the low-breadth market finally exhausts itself and rolls over, your capital at risk is mathematically capped at that 3%.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of exhausts
Verb
  • Unfortunately, that only wets the top quarter inch of soil—a feel-good move for gardeners but not for roots.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2026
  • Another Pearl Girl wets herself when the Eyes come for Thalia.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Definition of wets

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Cite this Entry

“Damps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damps. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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