MOIST Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'moist' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of moist are damp , dank , humid , and wet . While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry. // treat the injury with moist heat

Q: When might 'damp' be a better fit than 'moist'?

The words damp and moist are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, damp implies a slight or moderate absorption and often connotes an unpleasant degree of moisture. // clothes will mildew if stored in a damp place

Q: When is it sensible to use 'dank' instead of 'moist'?

The meanings of dank and moist largely overlap; however, dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness. // a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

Q: Where would 'humid' be a reasonable alternative to 'moist'?

Although the words humid and moist have much in common, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air. // a hot, humid climate

Q: When can 'wet' be used instead of 'moist'?

The words wet and moist can be used in similar contexts, but 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

moist

adjective

ˈmȯist

Definition of moist next

as in damp

slightly or moderately wet luckily, my new suede shoes are only a bit moist after I accidentally wore them in the rain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word moist distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of moist are damp, dank, humid, and wet. While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

When might damp be a better fit than moist?

The words damp and moist are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use dank instead of moist?

The meanings of dank and moist largely overlap; however, dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness.

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

Where would humid be a reasonable alternative to moist?

Although the words humid and moist have much in common, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

When can wet be used instead of moist?

The words wet and moist can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Examples 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 moist The storm will begin with a deep surge of moist air moving north out of the Gulf of Mexico, which will spread rain and snow over the Plains. —

Mansee Khurana, NPR, 4 Jan. 2025 Dry January is indeed in full swing, although some people may just be going damp or moist or not really participating at all. —

Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2025 But in order to keep them moist and fluffy, make sure to not overmix the batter. —

Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2025 On Friday, the Skyline station was cloaked in fog, a hopeful sign that moist conditions could delay a tricky blaze like the Keller Fire, which in October burned 15 acres above the Eastmont hills. —

Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for moist