moisten

verb

moist·​en ˈmȯi-sᵊn 

moistened; moistening ˈmȯis-niŋ 

ˈmȯi-sᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

: to make moist

add more water as needed to moisten the dough

intransitive verb

: to become moist

moistener

ˈmȯis-nər 

ˈmȯi-sᵊn-ər

noun

Synonyms of moisten

• wet
• damp
• rinse
• wash
• dampen
• flush
• bedew

Examples of moisten in a Sentence

Corn syrup can be used to moisten and flavor baked foods.

The chemical reaction begins as soon as the powder is moistened.

Recent Examples on the Web

Mix with a spatula until the dry ingredients are just moistened; do not overmix. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Rainfall may provide all of the water your lawn needs; however, a quick, heavy downpour might not moisten the soil sufficiently. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 16 Aug. 2026

The next several days will see a cooling and moistening trend in both the Bay Area and Central Coast; temperatures are expected to be well below seasonal averages. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Drizzle in 1/4 cup melted butter; stir until evenly moistened and crumbly. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing moisten

• pre-moisten

Kids Definition

moisten

verb

moist·​en ˈmȯis-ᵊn 

moistened; moistening ˈmȯis-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become moist

moistener

ˈmȯis-nər 

-ᵊn-ər

noun