DAMP Synonyms: 247 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'damp' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of damp are dank , humid , moist , and wet . While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," damp implies a slight or moderate absorption and often connotes an unpleasant degree of moisture. // clothes will mildew if stored in a damp place

Q: When would 'dank' be a good substitute for 'damp'?

In some situations, the words dank and damp are roughly equivalent. However, dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness. // a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

Q: When could 'humid' be used to replace 'damp'?

While the synonyms humid and damp are close in meaning, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air. // a hot, humid climate

Q: When can 'moist' be used instead of 'damp'?

The meanings of moist and damp largely overlap; however, moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry. // treat the injury with moist heat

Q: When is 'wet' a more appropriate choice than 'damp'?

The synonyms wet and damp are sometimes interchangeable, but wet usually implies saturation but may suggest a covering of a surface with water or something (such as paint) not yet dry. // slipped on the wet pavement

damp 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of damp next

as in humid

containing or characterized by an uncomfortable amount of moisture the damp air made 85 degrees feel like 105

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in moist

slightly or moderately wet marks can usually be removed with a damp cloth

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damp

2 of 3

noun

ˈdamp

as in moisture

the amount of water suspended in the air in tiny droplets we bought a dehumidifier for the basement when the damp down there began causing mold to grow

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damp

3 of 3

verb

as in to drain

to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality refused to let the setbacks damp his drive for success

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as in to wet

to make or become slightly or moderately wet damp the shirt slightly before ironing it

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as in to dull

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

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word damp distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of damp are dank, humid, moist, and wet. While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," damp implies a slight or moderate absorption and often connotes an unpleasant degree of moisture.

clothes will mildew if stored in a damp place

When would dank be a good substitute for damp?

In some situations, the words dank and damp are roughly equivalent. However, dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness.

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

When could humid be used to replace damp?

While the synonyms humid and damp are close in meaning, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

When can moist be used instead of damp?

The meanings of moist and damp largely overlap; however, moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

When is wet a more appropriate choice than damp?

The synonyms wet and damp are sometimes interchangeable, but wet usually implies saturation but may suggest a covering of a surface with water or something (such as paint) not yet dry.

slipped on the wet pavement

Examples 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 damp

Adjective

Shine Mirrors To quickly get rid of water spots and splatters on mirrors, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to create a shine. —

Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2024 To avoid guests sitting in damp chairs, the planners removed the seats and had guests stand to line the aisle. —

Shelby Wax, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024

Noun

Keep It Cozy Basements often have practical finishes like cement and tile to help ward off the damp, but that doesn't mean your lower level needs to feel like a utility room. —

Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023 Issues such as mold and damp can lead to respiratory problems and headaches. —

WIRED, 27 June 2023

Verb

The clean-tech momentum that had begun to build in the U.S. as President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act went into effect will certainly be damped, though blue states from Washington to Massachusetts have announced big new initiatives in the days since the November vote. —

Bill McKibben, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024 Magico claims the new chassis combines stiffness and damping while allowing minimal acoustic contribution by reducing modes and maximizing airflow. —

Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for damp

Recent Examples of Synonyms for damp

Adjective

Plates heaped with rice and aromatic curries showcase the island’s culinary riches, while orange king coconuts are cracked open and offered as a sweet, refreshing balm to the humid heat.

Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025
Don't store garland in humid areas either, to prevent mildew, mold, or odor.

Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024