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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
15 June 2026
To that end, despite his best attempts, Emanuel is not putting a dent in early hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary polls.
—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
13 June 2026
Jenny Vaughan,
semafor.com,
24 June 2026
Most shoes have a firm outer, which takes up more space in your suitcase and can easily be dented if not packed correctly.
—
Rebecca Shinners,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dent
Noun
That French idiom about having long teeth — les dents longues — can have negative connotations about a person’s ambitious streak.
—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
15 June 2026
To that end, despite his best attempts, Emanuel is not putting a dent in early hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary polls.
—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
13 June 2026
Verb
Cocoa farmers in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, which provide more than half the world’s cocoa, are likely to see drought conditions dent outputs and drive global prices.
—
Jenny Vaughan,
semafor.com,
24 June 2026
Most shoes have a firm outer, which takes up more space in your suitcase and can easily be dented if not packed correctly.
—
Rebecca Shinners,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dent
Noun
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The crash also resulted in a large hole in the side of the vessel.
-
The piece has seven holes for customization, and it’s designed to be worn at the hips or waist.
Noun
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Local law enforcement have touted recent decreases in crime on the CTA in particular, which beefed up security staffing in December and again in March.
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In contrast, California, Florida, Illinois, and Arkansas have recorded double-digit decreases in jobs.
Verb
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New flyover ramps connecting to I-95 would also be built, while sound barriers would be installed along both sides of the corridor to help reduce traffic noise for nearby residents.
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The rich treatment balances strengthening plant proteins with nourishing rosehip and sweet almond oils to reduce breakage and replenish moisture.
Noun
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Outside the pool house, a fire pit and patio extend the space into the woods, especially in the evening.
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Cherries contain cyanide in their pits, stems and leaves, which is toxic to dogs.
Noun
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The final number of staffing reductions could change as the district transitions between fiscal years, according to the district.
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With this uptick in usage, Google hasn’t seen a reduction of headcount – companies are leaning into AI as an enhancement tool.
Noun
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The extra saliva helps rinse away food particles and bacteria that can contribute to cavities, making gum a useful addition to your travel routine.
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Rather than a small drawer or tray, the divided top of West Elm’s storage coffee table rotates to reveal an empty storage cavity to fill with throw blankets, books, or video game controllers.
Noun
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Economists polled by Dow Jones are looking at a drop of 4%.
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The barrier to creation drops, but so does differentiation.
Noun
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That window is shorter than most executives assume, as mental and physical declines often begin earlier than midlife, while the leader still feels fully capable and engaged.
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The decline in energy prices is easing inflation concerns, which has helped push the 10-year Treasury yield down roughly 9 basis points.
Cite this Entry
“Dent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dent. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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