damp 1 of 3

damp

2 of 3

noun

as in moisture
the amount of water suspended in the air in tiny droplets we bought a dehumidifier for the basement when the damp down there began causing mold to grow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

damp

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word damp distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of damp are dank, humid, moist, and wet. While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," 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 damp?

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

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

When could humid be used to replace damp?

While the synonyms humid and damp are close in meaning, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

When can moist be used instead of damp?

The meanings of moist and damp largely overlap; however, moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

When is wet a more appropriate choice than damp?

The synonyms wet and damp are sometimes interchangeable, 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

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 damp
Adjective
Stains are extremely easily removed with a damp paper towel if they’re caught early, barely leaving a mark. Emily Hein, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025 Fall came and brought the damp nights that hold scent well. Robert Easton, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
Keep It Cozy Basements often have practical finishes like cement and tile to help ward off the damp, but that doesn't mean your lower level needs to feel like a utility room. Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023 Issues such as mold and damp can lead to respiratory problems and headaches. WIRED, 27 June 2023
Verb
All his clothes were musty and damp the next day. Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025 Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and spreads easily in warm, dark, damp environments like locker rooms, bathrooms, and swimming pools. Sarah Bradley, Health, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for damp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damp
Adjective
  • For example, many well-hydrated athletes experience cramps, while others competing in hot, humid conditions remain unaffected.
    Michael Hales, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Hot and humid climates will soon be replaced by cool and crisp temps, Halloween paraphernalia will line department store shelves and the smell of pumpkin spice has already begun to perfume the air.
    Roshae Hemmings, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Store in the refrigerator, changing the paper towel or water occasionally to keep them moist and fresh.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Tropical systems need warm ocean waters, a moist atmosphere, and less wind shear.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Finished with a glossy porcelain enamel coating, the dish is scratch-resistant and doesn’t retain moisture.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The two ingredients work well together to prevent signs of aging, alongside squalane for moisture and tartaric acid, which helps the skin absorb product more easily.
    Akili King, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Add to this poor emotional literacy, a lack of transparency, back-to-back meetings and the energy-draining complexity of navigating competing priorities.
    Sandro da Silva, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Reopening is dependent on how well the area drains.
    Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Potential for wetting rain exists and could provide additional containment opportunities.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • To clean, start by wetting the inside of your shower.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Even when the Dodgers find a glimmer, it has been dulled rather quickly.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • This etching makes a countertop easily stain and dulls the surface.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Blurring Bronzer Testers said this sweat-and humidity-proof bronzer warms up skin like no other.
    Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The fire will remain active throughout the night as humidity will remain low and terrain and heavy fuels align for moderate fire spread.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Now, its Supreme Court is moving to hold a former president accountable for allegedly trying to undermine democracy and steer the country back toward authoritarian rule.
    Júlia Dias Carneiro, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Failing to meet that obligation undermines not only educational opportunity, but also the sovereignty, economic vitality, and cultural survival of Tribal nations.
    Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Damp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damp. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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