1
as in to moisten
to make or become slightly or moderately wet
dampen a paper towel with water and use it to clean up the mess
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reduce
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
the oppressive heat dampened our spirits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to undermine
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality
nothing could dampen their enthusiasm
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dampen
Advertisement Failure to help bring peace to the Middle East could seriously dampen China’s recent efforts to portray itself as an effective global peacebroker, especially after Ukraine already rejected a peace plan Beijing had proposed in 2023.
—
Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 20 June 2025
But losing to 40-22 to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX dampened the mood of receiving this year’s championship bling.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2025
Rain dampened the turnout, however and only 80 or so turned out.
—Nancy Kane, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
In the short term, a weakening U.S. dollar makes international travel more expensive for Americans, dampening demand for outbound trips.
—Jeff Kim, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 20 June 2025
But losing to 40-22 to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX dampened the mood of receiving this year’s championship bling.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2025
Rain dampened the turnout, however and only 80 or so turned out.
—Nancy Kane, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
In the short term, a weakening U.S. dollar makes international travel more expensive for Americans, dampening demand for outbound trips.
—Jeff Kim, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampen
Verb
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Stir egg mixture into flour mixture just until moistened.—
Erin Hooker,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 June 2025
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Add the butter and pulse until the mixture is moistened throughout.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
6 June 2025
Verb
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To reduce background noise when making phone calls or joining in with a video meeting, Headphone (1) has a 4-microphone ENC system that’s backed up by AI.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Using the current policy baseline, the CBO found that the legislation would reduce the deficit by $508 billion.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Your bombastic attacks on the free press are, at best, unflattering — and at worst, undermine a core tenet of democracy.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 June 2025
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Trump is undermining our economy with reckless tariffs, harsh cuts, and ICE agents terrorizing our communities.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Expect flavors like: Red cherries Raspberries Strawberries Sometimes a little earthiness (think mushrooms or damp forest floors in a romantic way, not a scary one) Good Pinot is all about elegance, balance, and subtlety.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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The weather didn’t cooperate either, as passing showers occasionally damped the field and sent fans racing for cover, but the Red Sox were able to hang tough and battle back into the game.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
5 May 2025
Verb
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
26 June 2025
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Flagg won’t be the only rookie cashing in: Every first-round selection in this year’s draft is projected to earn a seven-figure salary, although each slot has a diminishing value.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Abandoning recognition can erode motivation, diminish engagement and make employees feel invisible, weakening the cultural fabric and undermining long-term resilience.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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But in an unexpected ruling in 2023, the Supreme Court declined an invitation to weaken Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.—
June 27,
CBS News,
27 June 2025
Verb
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Play at the lake, wet a line, wander through the woods or relax with your binoculars.—
Dalia Faheid,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 June 2025
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Gently wet their head, paws, belly and ears with cool (not cold) water.—
Angela Rodriguez,
Sacbee.com,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Kil noted that one of the features of the town hall remodel project will deaden the noise from the passing trains, which at times can drown out speakers during town meetings.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
18 May 2025
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She was shot three times at close range, with a blanket wrapped around the gun to deaden the sound.—
Christopher Goffard,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampen. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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