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

Last year, economic activity from the holiday was dampened by large-scale student protests, Sethia said, and businesses that had hoped to recoup those losses this year bought goods on loan that were ultimately lost to the floods. — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026

France is hoping a new tax on ultra-fast fashion will dampen demand for cheap clothes. — Helen Massy-Beresford, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Related Articles The slow first-day sales, however, have not dampened the trade’s confidence in the Asian cultural powerhouse. — Vivienne Chow, ARTnews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

During the summer, El Niño can dampen hurricane formation in the Atlantic. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 2 Sep. 2026