Synonym Chooser

How is the word humid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of humid are damp, dank, moist, and wet. While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

When is it sensible to use damp instead of humid?

While the synonyms damp and humid are close in meaning, 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 humid?

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

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

In what contexts can moist take the place of humid?

The synonyms moist and humid are sometimes interchangeable, but moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

Where would wet be a reasonable alternative to humid?

The meanings of wet and humid largely overlap; however, 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

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 humid The parade—usually hours long in the humid Washington sun—is slated to launch on June 7. Philip Elliott, Time, 17 May 2025 Whether you’re headed to sunny Mediterranean Europe, humid Southeast Asia, or the arid Middle East, these travel pants are cool, comfortable, and functional. Isis Briones, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025 With barely 24 hours before Game 2, the teams must quickly adapt to the humid conditions affecting ice quality as Friday’s game progressed. Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 17 May 2025 A week ago, workers were planting lettuce on a humid and overcast day. Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for humid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humid
Adjective
  • Thanks to its protective lacquer finish, the bar cart is resistant to water, rust, mold, and UV rays, plus the shelves are a breeze to clean with a damp cloth.
    Bridget Degnan, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2025
  • The damp, windy weather could also hinder travel on the road or at the region’s busy airports.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Neanderthals made and used wooden spears, cared for their fellow community members, made sticky tar and other adhesives, and butchered massive elephants, among other feats.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 June 2025
  • The unique gel texture sets into a lightweight veil that feels comfortable and stays put, so there’s no pillow staining or sticky residue.
    Marie Lodi, Allure, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Vibrant personalities aboard the bus and later in Lagos replace the muggy atmosphere of their rural home, the low hum of passengers gossiping and rapidly exchanging political opinions supplanting the buzz of insects as a sonic backdrop.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025
  • On a muggy Florida night, Burton held off Kyle Busch by less than half a second to win the summer race.
    Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humid. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on humid

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