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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to undermine
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality
nothing could dampen their enthusiasm
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dampen
Light afternoon and evening showers didn't dampen spirits at Willie Nelson's annual picnic at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater.
—
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025
The reminder of one of the darkest moments in recent political history did little to dampen Trump’s political euphoria.
—Darlene Superville, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
But in May, that front-runner status was dampened a bit.
—Alex Zietlow
july 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2025
Pour out a bit of suede cleaning liquid (or an acid like white vinegar) onto a dry cloth, rubbing it into the shoe’s upper to lightly dampen the affected suede and break apart particle clumps.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025
The reminder of one of the darkest moments in recent political history did little to dampen Trump’s political euphoria.
—Darlene Superville, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
But in May, that front-runner status was dampened a bit.
—Alex Zietlow
july 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2025
Pour out a bit of suede cleaning liquid (or an acid like white vinegar) onto a dry cloth, rubbing it into the shoe’s upper to lightly dampen the affected suede and break apart particle clumps.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampen
Verb
-
Lightly moisten the rim of your clear glass cup (use water, honey, or a bit of Mash & Mallow).—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Stir egg mixture into flour mixture just until moistened.—
Erin Hooker,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 June 2025
Verb
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This, together with a higher standard deduction, reduced the number of taxpayers who itemize deductions.—
Martin Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
Choose looser fits that reduce the pressure on your hair follicles.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Media implies entertainment and undermines the responsibility that journalists are supposed to have to report the truth and hold those in power accountable.—
HG Biggs,
IndyStar,
11 July 2025
-
Critics, including the National Head Start Association, warned the move will sow fear and confusion among families and undermine decades of inclusive policy.—
Amanda Castro
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
This may predispose plants to problems like root rot and damping off disease.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 July 2025
-
Tackling mountain roads was a real treat in this AMG; steering response and weight were solid, and while too stiff in its most hardcore setting, damping made the experience wonderfully engaging and confidence-inspiring.—
Peter Nelson,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
The best wrinkle creams on Amazon prove that drugstore prices don't diminish efficacy.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
8 July 2025
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The Commanders’ potential move back to D.C. would also pull the team out of Landover, further diminishing Maryland’s stake in professional sports and federal investments.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
The first-quarter boom in U.S. trade is weakening, with merchandise trade somewhat atypically declining for the second straight month, according to my analysis of the the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data.—
Ken Roberts,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
The June jobs report showed strong headline numbers, but the underlying data pointed to a weakening labor market.—
Danny Bakst,
Fortune,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
Use a garden hose or power washer to thoroughly wet the rug.—
Karen Grossman,
Southern Living,
24 June 2025
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Hysterical laughter later erupts as the camera goes closer into the bathtub to reveal the dog wetting her head under the running water from the tap.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Verb
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The Finnish midfielder deadened the ball with a foot and quickly chipped it laterally over nearby defenders.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 July 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampen. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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