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

Alessandro Bastoni’s 68th-minute equaliser here, denying France a third straight win under Zidane to begin his reign, did not really dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026

The Science Behind The Concept Research indicates that music reduces cortisol levels​, the stress hormone that impairs decision-making and dampens focus. — Roy Ward, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

But El Niño can disrupt the winds, dampening upwelling and reducing the food supply. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Acoustic noise-dampening panels compliment the design, while fully-adjustable, electric standing desks make working or in-room dining comfortable. — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2026