1
as in hole
a sunken area forming a separate space
there was a big dent in the car's hood where something had hit it
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in decrease
the amount by which something is lessened
a little belt-tightening would at least make a small dent in our credit-card debt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to reduce
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
hopefully this vacation won't dent our bank account too much
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dent
Ricardo Madan, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Putting a dent in Arsenal’s title bid, however, would go a long way to placating even the most negative Spurs supporter, especially with a trip to Wembley in the offing if the second leg at Anfield goes to plan.
—Darren Richman, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
Shares have fallen over the past three months partly because of inflationary pressures that dented its results in its September quarterly report.
—Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dent 
Noun
However, while your personal midlife crisis may only result in a few extra gray hairs or a dent in your bank account, the stakes are much higher for tech companies facing capital constraints, aggressive and innovative competition, and limited talent pools.
—Ricardo Madan, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Putting a dent in Arsenal’s title bid, however, would go a long way to placating even the most negative Spurs supporter, especially with a trip to Wembley in the offing if the second leg at Anfield goes to plan.
—Darren Richman, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
And countries whose shipments to the U.S. are socked with tariffs could retaliate with their own levies on U.S. exports, further denting the economy.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
Shares have fallen over the past three months partly because of inflationary pressures that dented its results in its September quarterly report.
—Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dent
Noun
-
The maritime archaeologist identified shell impact holes in the upper starboard of the hull’s ballast tank and significant battle damage to the base of the submarine’s conning tower.—
Sean Kingsley,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Placing the tag on Holland could make some sense, but a $19.6 million price tag could be too rich for a Dolphins team that needs to shore up several holes.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The former saw sales fall 4.6 percent, while the latter saw a decrease of 3 percent.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Moderna said the decrease was mainly due to the earlier launch of the newest iteration of its Covid shot last year, which shifted sales into the third quarter.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Trump, who took office on January 20, campaigned heavily on the economy, vowing to reduce inflation and impose tariffs on some of the country's closest trading partners like Mexico and Canada, citing concerns over drugs, immigration, and trade deficits.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
8 Feb. 2025
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Introduced late in the first decade of the 2000s, the program was revived in 2022 as part of a series of insurance reforms that aimed to reduce litigation — and insurance company failures.—
Ron Hurtibise,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Shower facilities and fire pits are also available on-site.—
Amanda Ogle,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2025
-
Thandiwe Newton’s Former Rustic-Chic SoCal Retreat Hits the Market for $4.2 Million Outdoors, the grounds are dotted with hot-pink bougainvillea and host several stone and tile patios, a fire pit, and an infinity-edge pool and spa.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
That figure, according to the bureau, includes monetary compensation, principal reductions, canceled debts and other consumer relief.—
Susan Tompor,
USA TODAY,
18 Feb. 2025
-
As the political landscape shifts with a Trump-Musk administration, one of the most immediate and profound impacts will be a reduction in government waste.—
Joel Shulman,
Forbes,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Fluoride has helped decrease the number of cavities, which are essentially infections that could cause greater bodily harm if left untreated, Polite said.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2025
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By eliminating the reliance on acoustic cavities or resonance, the new ATH-R70xa depends solely on the drivers for its sonic performance with every movement of the diaphragm translating directly into sound.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
But on the third drop, the steel plates of what looked like a submarine flashed into view.—
Sean Kingsley,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Some states have experienced drops at the pumps, while in others, the cost of gas has increased.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Mike Scott, interim fire chief, had expressed concern over the decline in volunteerism back in February at the Shakopee City Council meeting that revealed the report’s findings.—
Julia Fomby,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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Despite the decline and tepid guidance, Wall Street’s biggest research shops remain optimistic that Disney can boost its earnings growth and are watching if the company can show accelerating parks revenue and subscriber trends.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
6 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near dent
Cite this Entry
“Dent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dent. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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