moisten

verb

ˈmȯi-sᵊn How to pronounce moisten (audio)
Definition of moistennext
as in to wet
to make or become slightly or moderately wet moisten the cloth before cleaning with it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 moisten Fill small containers or cell packs with potting soil and moisten. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 After watering, dig a small hole to check if the top 6 inches or so of soil are moistened. — Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026 Avoid sprinklers, which will moisten the stems and leaves more than the base of the plant; more water will evaporate than soak into your plants' roots. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026 Fan and towels There are dozens of cooling products soccer lovers can use to stay cool, such as portable fans and hand towels that can be moistened with water. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for moisten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moisten
  1. wet
  2. damp
  3. rinse
  4. wash
  5. dampen
  6. flush
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
  • 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
  • According to Typology, apply the serum directly to your eyelashes and eyebrows, and do not rinse.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
  • But their work is less likely to become clichéd, because any stale fixations will always be rinsed and refreshed by the real.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of rinse
Verb
  • People pointed to enormous rocks that had been washed downriver during the earlier floods, as others standing on a suspension bridge over the water were warned off with whistles.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Some pointed to enormous rocks washed downriver during the earlier floods, while others standing on a suspension bridge were warned off with whistles.
    — Victoria Milko, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of wash
Verb
  • France is hoping a new tax on ultra-fast fashion will dampen demand for cheap clothes.
    — Helen Massy-Beresford, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • That means options generally are the most expensive since late June, and traders may be leaning into strategies that collect premium by betting the swings in the fund will dampen.
    — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of dampen
Verb
  • Pack a tube of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) in your first aid kit instead of antibiotic ointment and remember to flush all scrapes and cuts with copious amounts of clean water before covering them with the jelly.
    — Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Willis scrambled for a touchdown on fourth-and-3 after being flushed out the pocket by Zeek Biggers….
    — Omar Kelly August 26, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of flush

Browse Nearby Words

moist
moisten
moistened
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Cite this Entry

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

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