1
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
2
as in to reduce
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
the oppressive heat dampened our spirits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to undermine
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality
nothing could dampen their enthusiasm
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dampen
Or, dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and rub it over the bristles, or simply pour a small amount over them.
—
Angela Palmer, Verywell Health, 20 May 2025
The Original MakeUp Eraser $25 Just dampen the machine-washable Makeup Eraser to sweep away makeup without relying on disposable wipes or remover.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 19 May 2025
But charm is dampened by the rote calculation of having a tyke curse for laughs, or hammily sing along to old R&B hits.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 May 2025
Although demand for soundstages outstripped supply a few years ago, production has recently slowed and dampened the current need for them.
—Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Angela Palmer, Verywell Health, 20 May 2025
The Original MakeUp Eraser $25 Just dampen the machine-washable Makeup Eraser to sweep away makeup without relying on disposable wipes or remover.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 19 May 2025
But charm is dampened by the rote calculation of having a tyke curse for laughs, or hammily sing along to old R&B hits.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 May 2025
Although demand for soundstages outstripped supply a few years ago, production has recently slowed and dampened the current need for them.
—Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampen
Verb
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People can then take some steps to protect themselves, such as covering the mouth and nose with a scarf, using saline solutions to moisten the airways, and getting vaccinated when possible.—
Christophe Lavaysse,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Apr. 2025
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Wet the soil to moisten it up before spreading it evenly onto a clean baking sheet.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Their original sentences, which were 12 years and seven years, respectively, were reduced in September 2023.—
Esther Kang,
People.com,
28 May 2025
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With Bayern aiming to reduce their wage bill, the Wirtz signing would have come at the cost of at least an extra €20million (£16.8m, $22.7m) per year, on top of a transfer fee somewhere between €100m and €150m.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
Verb
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Things could have been better still had Leclerc’s race not been undermined by the timing of the two safety cars.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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Trump has pursued policies that have repeatedly undermined the agenda of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—and show that divisions between the United States and Israel are widening.—
Daniel Byman,
The Atlantic,
24 May 2025
Verb
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They’re applied to damp hair after shampooing and conditioning—and then, crucially, left there.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
24 Apr. 2025
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In a nutshell, the shocks use low damping forces when the vehicle is traveling in a high frequency environment, like on long stretches of smooth road, but use high damping forces when traveling in a low frequency area like a road with a lot of bumps or sharp corners.—
Bryan Rogala,
Outside Online,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Give credit without diminishing your own contributions.—
Marvin Krislov,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
Verb
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In Colorado, for example, several AI companies recently lobbied to delay and weaken the state’s landmark AI accountability legislation — a preview of what unchecked industry influence could look like under a regulatory freeze.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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Their backing from the youngest voters weakened in 2024 (Catalist).—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Verb
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His mother wet a sponge to moisten his lips and tongue.—
Stephanie Armour,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2025
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The president’s health has been the subject of speculation for years; in 2023, six journalists were arrested after they were accused of sharing a video that appeared to show the president wetting himself.—
Abdi Latif Dahir,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Kil noted that one of the features of the town hall remodel project will deaden the noise from the passing trains, which at times can drown out speakers during town meetings.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
18 May 2025
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She was shot three times at close range, with a blanket wrapped around the gun to deaden the sound.—
Christopher Goffard,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampen. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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