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
Still, the abrupt departure of the chief executive has come at a challenging time for the retailer, with sales falling and dampening interest from younger shoppers.
—
Christine Hauser, New York Times, 1 May 2025
But before the banter could continue, the mood was dampened by the head of the eatery.
—Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2025
Salt is commonly used to dampen bitter flavors—Brussels sprouts or leafy greens are a good example—so when the bitterness of the watermelon is masked by the salt, the sugary sweetness shines.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025
Such a move would also signal Beijing’s continued commitment to the dollar system and dampen speculation about an emerging BRICS currency or a broader push toward de-dollarization.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Christine Hauser, New York Times, 1 May 2025
But before the banter could continue, the mood was dampened by the head of the eatery.
—Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2025
Salt is commonly used to dampen bitter flavors—Brussels sprouts or leafy greens are a good example—so when the bitterness of the watermelon is masked by the salt, the sugary sweetness shines.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025
Such a move would also signal Beijing’s continued commitment to the dollar system and dampen speculation about an emerging BRICS currency or a broader push toward de-dollarization.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampen
Verb
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People can then take some steps to protect themselves, such as covering the mouth and nose with a scarf, using saline solutions to moisten the airways, and getting vaccinated when possible.—
Christophe Lavaysse,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Apr. 2025
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Wet the soil to moisten it up before spreading it evenly onto a clean baking sheet.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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An estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the proposals would reduce the number of people with health care by at least 7.6 million from the Medicaid changes, and possibly more with other changes to the Affordable Care Act.—
Kevin Freking,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
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In Sacramento, California, the weather service warned its office would have reduced staffing overnight.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Things could have been better still had Leclerc’s race not been undermined by the timing of the two safety cars.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
-
Trump has pursued policies that have repeatedly undermined the agenda of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—and show that divisions between the United States and Israel are widening.—
Daniel Byman,
The Atlantic,
24 May 2025
Verb
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They’re applied to damp hair after shampooing and conditioning—and then, crucially, left there.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
24 Apr. 2025
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In a nutshell, the shocks use low damping forces when the vehicle is traveling in a high frequency environment, like on long stretches of smooth road, but use high damping forces when traveling in a low frequency area like a road with a lot of bumps or sharp corners.—
Bryan Rogala,
Outside Online,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Give credit without diminishing your own contributions.—
Marvin Krislov,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
Verb
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In Colorado, for example, several AI companies recently lobbied to delay and weaken the state’s landmark AI accountability legislation — a preview of what unchecked industry influence could look like under a regulatory freeze.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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This includes adults who have weakened immune systems, cancer or other underlying health conditions, and some mental health conditions.—
Claire Bugos,
Verywell Health,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Once seedlings are visible, water from below and, throughout the growth of your plants, never wet the foliage to minimize mildew development.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
15 May 2025
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My clothes were wet with sweat on the inside and wet on the outside from a mixture of rain, snow and sleet, and some of the mist was freezing on the trees.—
Charles Elliott,
Outdoor Life,
1 May 2025
Verb
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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
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She was shot three times at close range, with a blanket wrapped around the gun to deaden the sound.—
Christopher Goffard,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampen. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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