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
Relevance
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
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
The government created the Department of Homeland Security, the Homeland Security Council, and the office of the Director of National Intelligence and partially eased the restrictions on intelligence sharing originally meant to dampen the CIA’s power.
—
Michael Singh, Foreign Affairs, 11 June 2025
The light rain did not dampen the spirits of demonstrators, who led a march down Cermak Road following the rally, ending at Benito Juarez Community Academy.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025
Not even the storm delays could dampen the excitement over CMA Fest’s Friday headliner Kelsea Ballerini.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 7 June 2025
Grab another fresh microfiber cloth and dampen it with fresh water (not the soapy solution).
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Michael Singh, Foreign Affairs, 11 June 2025
The light rain did not dampen the spirits of demonstrators, who led a march down Cermak Road following the rally, ending at Benito Juarez Community Academy.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025
Not even the storm delays could dampen the excitement over CMA Fest’s Friday headliner Kelsea Ballerini.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 7 June 2025
Grab another fresh microfiber cloth and dampen it with fresh water (not the soapy solution).
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampen
Verb
-
Stir egg mixture into flour mixture just until moistened.—
Erin Hooker,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 June 2025
-
Add the butter and pulse until the mixture is moistened throughout.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
For all adolescents, participating in a sports team can reduce anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness.—
Gavin Yamey,
Time,
20 June 2025
-
All evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
These weaknesses undermine its attractive valuation metrics and strong recent growth.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
-
In fact, May data shows rents in Connecticut have now fallen for the first time in years, undermining the idea that these tools are the problem.—
Jim Amann,
Hartford Courant,
17 June 2025
Verb
-
Expect flavors like: Red cherries Raspberries Strawberries Sometimes a little earthiness (think mushrooms or damp forest floors in a romantic way, not a scary one) Good Pinot is all about elegance, balance, and subtlety.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
-
The weather didn’t cooperate either, as passing showers occasionally damped the field and sent fans racing for cover, but the Red Sox were able to hang tough and battle back into the game.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
5 May 2025
Verb
-
But all this trouble didn’t diminish his affection.—
Brett Berk,
Robb Report,
26 June 2025
-
And the chaos does gradually diminish, like a pot of stock boiled down to a sauce.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
Abandoning recognition can erode motivation, diminish engagement and make employees feel invisible, weakening the cultural fabric and undermining long-term resilience.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
But in an unexpected ruling in 2023, the Supreme Court declined an invitation to weaken Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.—
June 27,
CBS News,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
Play at the lake, wet a line, wander through the woods or relax with your binoculars.—
Dalia Faheid,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 June 2025
-
Gently wet their head, paws, belly and ears with cool (not cold) water.—
Angela Rodriguez,
Sacbee.com,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share