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
The hefty contract arrives at a moment when many industry observers have questioned whether New York’s new tax on non-primary residences might dampen demand at the top end of the market.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
Because silver is priced globally in dollars, a stronger dollar makes the metal more expensive for international buyers, which can dampen demand and put downward pressure on prices.
—Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 16 June 2026
None of that dampened the mood on Wall Street, which has been desperate to see new offerings after a historically slow period of IPOs dating back to late 2021.
—Jordan Novet,lora Kolodny, CNBC, 13 June 2026
Some fans felt the additional security and restrictions to access Madison Square Garden dampened some of the spirit for the first Finals home game in 27 years.
—Amina Kilpatrick, NBC news, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
Because silver is priced globally in dollars, a stronger dollar makes the metal more expensive for international buyers, which can dampen demand and put downward pressure on prices.
—Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 16 June 2026
None of that dampened the mood on Wall Street, which has been desperate to see new offerings after a historically slow period of IPOs dating back to late 2021.
—Jordan Novet,lora Kolodny, CNBC, 13 June 2026
Some fans felt the additional security and restrictions to access Madison Square Garden dampened some of the spirit for the first Finals home game in 27 years.
—Amina Kilpatrick, NBC news, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampen
Verb
-
Blinking encourages tears that moisten your eyes.—
Samantha Agate,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 June 2026
-
Before opening bottle, wash neck of bottle, then moisten it with a lime wedge; coat with chile-lime seasoning (such as Tajín).—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 June 2026
Verb
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The coronavirus vaccine reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events linked to covid-19 — strokes, heart attacks, and hospitalization from heart disease — by about 40 percent, according to a new study.—
Daniel Wu,
Washington Post,
16 June 2026
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Fox would take on $8 million in debt to pay for the Roku acquisition, and the companies expect to reduce combined expenses by $400 million.—
Scharon Harding,
ArsTechnica,
15 June 2026
Verb
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The alleged threat is portrayed as undermining First Amendment protections for freedom of association, which concerns the ability of groups to engage in expression and group activities without government interference.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
15 June 2026
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So, Sacramento needs to undermine the demagogic manufacturers by stepping up vote counting while keeping elections virtually fraud-free.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Verb
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The suspension has been reworked by completely altering its geometry, mounting points, and damping.—
Basem Wasef,
Robb Report,
17 June 2026
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The air carries the scent of earth after rain — damp ancient stone, cellar walls, perhaps a trace of smoke.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 June 2026
Verb
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When plants are set too close together, air circulation is diminished, which encourages a more humid plant canopy that favors disease.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
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When family dinners are interrupted by smartphone dings or kids glued to their tablets, Sada Garibay and other experts noted, some of the benefits of the family dinner can be diminished.—
Elise Haulund,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
Verb
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The screenplay grows more complex and rewarding as the central relationship weakens, effectively forcing Sonya to deal with her exhausting boyfriend (Levon Hawke) and pushing Coley to connect with her father who, for whatever reason, spends a lot of time hand-making turquoise jewelry.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
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This, of course, is problematic for the homegrown haters because the opposing opinion from neutral outsiders weakens their argument and should strengthen our resolve.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
Verb
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From hand pumps in British pubs to wet foam in Czech cafes, beer is poured a variety of ways throughout the world and in various glassware.—
Em Sauter,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
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Irrigation should be applied at the base of the plant at the soil line to avoid wetting the blooms.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
13 June 2026
Verb
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Freezes caused by large cold fronts pushing into the state from arctic regions can ice over and deaden fruitful citrus trees.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
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Exposing the dental pulp and cleaning out the cavity’s contents also would have deadened the nerves and blood vessels there, leading to pain relief, Zubova said.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampen. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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