Synonyms of dampen

dampen

verb

ˈdam-pən 

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

• moisten
• damp
• wet
• rinse
• wash
• flush
• saturate
• bedew
• soak
• douse
• drench
• steep
• water
• bathe
• impregnate
• lave
• immerse
• refresh
• irrigate
• dip
• humidify
• dunk
• immerge
• rehydrate
• souse
• remoisten
• sluice

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dry
• scorch
• dehydrate
• sear
• desiccate
• parch
• dehumidify

2

as in to reduce

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling

the oppressive heat dampened our spirits

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reduce
• diminish
• deaden
• dull
• weaken
• subside
• damp
• blunt
• decrease
• subdue
• numb
• alleviate
• benumb
• muffle
• ease
• cauterize
• tone (down)
• lessen
• mute
• lighten
• debilitate
• recede
• wane
• let up (on)
• moderate
• dwindle
• lower
• enfeeble
• taper (off)
• abate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• enhance
• sharpen
• strengthen
• intensify
• augment
• consolidate
• deepen
• amplify
• heighten
• stimulate
• boost
• magnify
• whet
• arouse
• step up
• redouble
• beef (up)
• animate

3

as in to undermine

to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality

nothing could dampen their enthusiasm

Synonyms & Similar Words

• undermine
• weaken
• drain
• deaden
• exhaust
• damp
• enervate
• wear
• discourage
• petrify
• castrate
• dehydrate
• desiccate
• devitalize
• debilitate
• lobotomize
• burn out
• fatigue
• enfeeble
• sap
• wear out
• daunt
• geld
• dishearten
• tucker (out)
• demoralize
• dispirit
• do in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stimulate
• energize
• enliven
• invigorate
• arouse
• stir
• quicken
• rouse
• vitalize
• brace
• vivify
• provoke
• excite
• galvanize
• charge
• incite
• trigger
• electrify
• lift
• inflame
• spark
• inspire
• foment
• fire
• instigate
• boost
• cheer
• ferment
• kindle
• whip (up)
• fortify
• revive
• embolden
• renew
• hearten
• buoy
• rekindle
• refresh
• revitalize
• abet
• resurrect
• rejuvenate
• reactivate
• reawaken
• regenerate
• resuscitate
• recharge
• reenergize
• reanimate
• reawake

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dampen

Polls show bipartisan concerns about AI developing too quickly, and high costs for everyday items like gas and groceries are dampening the economic outlook for many Americans. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

That’s in no small part because of a strong, brewing El Niño, which typically dampens Atlantic hurricanes with unfavorable wind conditions. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026

Nor did arriving in the United States dampen many Italians’ enthusiasm for anarchism. — Ed Simon, JSTOR Daily, 7 Oct. 2026

Presenhuber added that economic crises and global politics seem continue to dampen her clients’ moods overall—and their spending. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026