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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dampen
Although the pageantry of the home opener at Honda Center might be dampened by rain, there will be an all-weather clash between amphibious birds when the Ducks welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night.
—
Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
The economy hasn’t dampened the growth of the company, which is expected to close 2025 with sales of 27 million euros, up 15 percent on 2024.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
Some early studies suggest that taking these anti-inflammatory drugs before or immediately after a shot might dampen your immune system’s response, since inflammation helps your body create antibodies.
—Ashley Wong, Health, 8 Oct. 2025
All of that dirt wouldn’t entirely dampen the sound of your screaming, so there’s always the chance some benevolent gravedigger could save you.
—Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
The economy hasn’t dampened the growth of the company, which is expected to close 2025 with sales of 27 million euros, up 15 percent on 2024.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
Some early studies suggest that taking these anti-inflammatory drugs before or immediately after a shot might dampen your immune system’s response, since inflammation helps your body create antibodies.
—Ashley Wong, Health, 8 Oct. 2025
All of that dirt wouldn’t entirely dampen the sound of your screaming, so there’s always the chance some benevolent gravedigger could save you.
—Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampen
Verb
-
Add remaining 1/4 cup melted butter; stir until mixture is evenly moistened and begins to clump together.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Simply moisten the skin on the face and massaging the formula in circular motions.—
Beatrice Zocchi,
Vogue,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Now, many employers are looking to harness the power of AI—initially for mundane and repetitive tasks and eventually for more complicated jobs—to reduce the need to maintain the same level of human staffers on their payrolls.—
Jason Del Rey,
Fortune,
15 Oct. 2025
-
And drivers can reduce the risk of their cars being hit.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In the view of many faculty members, Baccarelli had undermined the public position Harvard spent months cultivating—as a beacon of academic integrity, unwilling to bend to the administration’s political pressure.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Even before the shutdown gripped Washington, there were mounting Democratic complaints that Trump would undermine any government funding deals struck by Congress with his use of pocket rescissions, aimed at canceling spending unilaterally at the end of a fiscal year.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Wet or damp bird seed can quickly mold, which can cause illnesses in birds.—
Joan Morris,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Use a cotton ball damped with rubbing alcohol and rub over the area.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Bean and squash yields (as measured by weight) were reduced when intercropped with maize, while maize yields were only slightly diminished when intercropped.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
While the very high end of the market is strong, the aspirational luxury market has weakened due to economic pressures.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Far from expanding opportunity, this excessive wealth locks millions out of the chance to innovate and build, weakening growth for all.—
Scott Ellis,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
To help keep leaves, whole or chopped, in place during high winds or flooding rains, wet them down with a hose.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
-
But the comedy is absolutely something that wets my beak, I'm drawn to it.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Rather than slash and swing away after spotting the play, Stott tried to get the ball down and deaden it, increasing the level of difficulty.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Now, Sora 2 might just be another online fad, a reality-deadening distraction that people will soon tire of.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampen. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share