damp 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of dampnext
1
as in humid
containing or characterized by an uncomfortable amount of moisture the damp air made 85 degrees feel like 105

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in moist
slightly or moderately wet marks can usually be removed with a damp cloth

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

damp

2 of 3

noun

ˈdamp How to pronounce damp (audio)
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

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to drain
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality refused to let the setbacks damp his drive for success

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wet
to make or become slightly or moderately wet damp the shirt slightly before ironing it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to dull
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling nothing seemed to damp the unwelcome attentions of her suitor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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
Avoid any containers of berries that appear to be damp or stained, or that visibly contain fruit that’s overripe, dented, bruised, or mushy. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026 On a walk through a car park in London’s Barbican Estate, on her way to the apartment of a hookup, Fedorova notices in striking detail the sound of the ventilation system, the fluorescent light patterns, and the scent of damp concrete. —Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
Towel-dry until damp, then apply evenly with gloves. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026 Using a damp, non-abrasive sponge, scrub in circular motions. —Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Overall a gloomy, cool and damp day. —Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026 This keeps conditions damp and warm to encourage germination. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for damp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damp
  1. humid
  2. moist
  3. moisture
  4. drain
  5. wet
  6. dull
  7. humidity
  8. undermine
Adjective
  • Conventional sulfide materials can degrade within minutes in humid air, often releasing hydrogen sulfide gas.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Meteorological explanation Thursday’s unusually warm temperatures across Central and South Texas developed as winds shifted out of the south and southwest, ahead of an approaching cold front and a dry line between dry and humid air masses.
    — Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
Definition of humid
Adjective
  • Southern magnolia is native to moist woodlands and bottomlands along the coastal plains where the seeds are eaten by birds and other wildlife.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
  • In some animals, a nictitating membrane serves as a third eyelid, used to help keep the eye clean and moist.
    — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Definition of moist
Noun
  • Simultaneously, a conditioning complex of peptides, ceramides, encapsulated hyaluronic acid, and botanical ingredients works to smooth, cushion, and replenish moisture where it’s most needed.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026
  • For an extra boost of moisture, finish by sealing it all in with Aloe Rose Mist Spray.
    — Tory Johnson, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
Definition of moisture
Verb
  • Use your hands to agitate the greens (this will dislodge any stubborn bits of grit or dirt), then drain and spin dry.
    — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Improper Amount of Water Dogwoods prefer well-draining soil, and excessive watering can affect the number of flowers (and leaves) on the tree.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
Definition of drain
Verb
  • Even a simple soaker hose is better than a sprinkler system that wets the foliage, which can make plants prone to blights and mildews.
    — Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Spray the door generously with cleaner or use a microfiber cloth to wet the door with the diluted vinegar mixture.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Definition of wet
Verb
  • Considerations Before Getting Started Protect your table’s shine and clarity by avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing tools that cause tiny scratches, which dull the glass over time.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Cold water, on the other hand, is said to dull this fire and slow digestion and should be avoided.
    — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2026
Definition of dull
Noun
  • Southern Illinois summers can be brutal, bringing a double-punch of heat and high humidity that some visitors may wish to avoid.
    — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2026
  • For those exercising in heat and humidity, the goal should be to rehydrate without excessive fluid loss through sweat.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Definition of humidity
Verb
  • Fallout from the attacks has undermined the Emirates’ efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran despite longtime suspicions of its neighbor across the Gulf.
    — Brian Melley, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Wealth taxes affect entrepreneurial decision-making, reduce returns on investment, introduce economic distortions and undermine job creation and business expansion.
    — Jared Walczak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Definition of undermine

Browse Nearby Words

damn well
damp
damped
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Damp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damp. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on damp

Nglish: Translation of damp for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about damp

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of hector

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
child-with-a-telescope
Spot the Misspelled Word Quiz March 2026 Guage your ability to identify out-of-place letters.
See All