1
as in damps
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 reduces
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
the oppressive heat dampened our spirits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in undermines
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 dampens
Luckily for them, the Carolina Panthers have even further to go on defense, which dampens the exciting second half of the season produced by QB Bryce Young and the offense.
—
Austin Mock, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Persistently high unemployment in California not only strains unemployment insurance and social services but also dampens consumer confidence, posing risks to the stability of the nation's largest state economy.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
Austin Mock, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Persistently high unemployment in California not only strains unemployment insurance and social services but also dampens consumer confidence, posing risks to the stability of the nation's largest state economy.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampens
Verb
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Encouraging young adults to take on progressively larger responsibilities — whether through part-time work, volunteering or managing household duties — builds competence and reduces fear.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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This reduces the chance that graphic or violent content slips into your feed.—
Annie Margaret,
The Conversation,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This persistent erasure not only undermines the economic opportunities and visibility these creators deserve, but also distorts the narrative of where many of fashion’s most influential movements originate.—
Corein Carter,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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This decision undermines basic constitutional protections and deepens the climate of intimidation against both immigrants and people of color.—
Norma Chavez-Peterson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Heavy rainfall will be possible from the thunderstorms later today as the atmosphere moistens.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The only thing that occasionally dulls his pain is opioid use, as the British prison has a thriving drug-trading industry involving a variety of goods and services.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
12 Sep. 2025
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This etching makes a countertop easily stain and dulls the surface.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Any delay in release weakens hatchlings and affects their survival rates.—
M. Rajshekhar,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
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Beyond 100 people, culture often fragments, communication distorts and the founder’s vision weakens.—
Jonathan Low,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As the shoreline’s clarity diminishes, Berry stressed the importance of this research for conservation efforts, especially doing it collaboratively.—
Amelia Wu,
Sacbee.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The whole ordeal exhausts the mother turtle.—
Taylor Hagood,
Sun Sentinel,
4 Aug. 2025
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The idea of festivals just exhausts me.—
Meg Zukin,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Cowboys fans hoping the team flushes Dak, the way the Denver Broncos did with Russell Wilson, are better off hoping for a Texas snow storm in July.—
Mac Engel
September 4,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
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Its self-cleaning cycle flushes the dirty water tank and removes debris from the vacuum brush.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dampens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampens. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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