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 And both crossed the Life Time Miami Marathon finish line first on a steamy, humid Sunday morning. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2025 The thinking is that putting plants in the shower brings a biophilic design and a spa-like vibe to your bathroom while taking advantage of the humid air and wet conditions many tropical plants love. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2025 Strenuous aerobic exercise or strength training for longer than 60 minutes, performing activities in very hot or humid climates, or the physical strain of an unwelcome illness can all rev the body’s metabolism and quickly deplete blood glucose. Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2025 Winter air is also less humid, which helps viruses stay viable in the air for longer periods, and cold air can dry out the mucous membranes in the nose and throat, which weakens their ability to trap and expel viruses. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for humid 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humid
Adjective
  • Spending months in dark damp tunnels, bodies chained to walls, humans forced to grovel like animals.
    Greg Palkot, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Allow the product to soak for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping away with a clean, damp cloth.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Finish half the wings with Buffalo sauce and the rest with a sticky ginger-soy glaze.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 13 Feb. 2025
  • The hit dating series promises some drama this season as the trailer shows contestants in some seemingly sticky situations.
    Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Everything's hot and muggy, and there's voodoo and magic and booze and music permeating the air.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Some spots in the desert Southwest were expecting temperatures topping 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius), and hot, muggy conditions also permeated the Deep South and Middle Atlantic.
    Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 5 July 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near humid

Cite this Entry

“Humid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humid. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on humid

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