damp 1 of 3

damp

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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
After the shower, while her skin is still damp, Kerrigan will apply the product and top it off with a juicy page-turner once she’s settled. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 8 Aug. 2025 The play came during 7-on-7 work on a damp morning at the Panthers’ practice fields in Charlotte. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 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
Compared to the more competitive intermediate tires, which are for light rain or damp tracks, the full wet tire has deeper grooves in the tread. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 28 July 2025 Cabinets have been upgraded for more rigidity and control, enclosure depth has increased for extended frequency response at the bottom end, and multiple-density damping materials have been used to lower resonance frequency. New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for damp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damp
Adjective
  • Partly sunny, hot and humid. ⛸️ Beloved Downtown ice rink set to move from Fountain Square.
    Randy Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Aug. 2025
  • It's just been warm and humid — always with a chance for some rain.
    Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Fungus thrives in warm, moist areas, so having your sweaty feet stuffed inside shoes and socks all day can create an ideal environment for fungus to grow.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025
  • This sheet cake is made with a moist vanilla and almond batter before being frosted with a salted buttercream.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Before watering, always check the soil’s moisture first by poking a finger into the top of the soil.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Colorado’s dew points were also average as the state avoided the moisture onslaught that unfolded farther east.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Design can nudge employees toward better creativity, recovery, and well-being, or leave them drained.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Talent, people said, was draining out of the doubles discipline; still, the level of the game remained high, and many fans are devoted to it.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Given the risk to heart issues in people with coronary artery disease, only the 31 healthy participants took part in the fan study (the remaining 27 individuals just underwent skin wetting/no skin wetting conditions).
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 July 2025
  • Any storms that do form will likely produce wetting rain in the cores but lightning is possible far from these cores in areas that will remain dry.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Still, that venue-filling sound doesn’t dull the music’s bleeding edge.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2025
  • While short-term boosts are possible, too much artificial stimulation can dull the natural response over time.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The climate control system filters and perfumes cabin air; and adjusts for changes in temperature, humidity and elevation.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The Metroplex’s hot temperatures and low surface-level humidity helped increase downburst winds late Tuesday, Barnes said.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Trump’s suggestion of easing economic restrictions has drawn sharp criticism from European allies, who warn that any premature normalization could undermine the unified Western stance on sanctions and harm Ukraine’s position in ongoing negotiations.
    Nik Popli, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Israeli authorities have stated that Chinese involvement in missile development or supply could directly undermine Israel's defense efforts.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Damp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damp. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

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