dampening

verb

present participle of dampen
1
as in damping
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 reducing
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling the oppressive heat dampened our spirits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in undermining
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 dampening She was tasked with balancing inflation control against the risk of rate hikes dampening economic recovery. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 But both parties have violated the terms of the deal throughout the two-month period, dampening hopes that the tenuous truce would lead to a more concrete agreement to end the conflict. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 2026 More important than these dynamics in dampening the oil crisis that might have ensued was past government investment in infrastructure. — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026 There was always something to take care of given the age of the buildings and the dampening mist sent up by the waterfall. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 13 Aug. 2026 Washington — The world’s largest economy lost steam heading into summer as red-hot demand for AI infrastructure widened the trade deficit, dampening growth. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 This vinegar typically gets better with age, so there’s no need to worry about an expiration date dampening your culinary plans. — Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 25 July 2026 That increase was aimed at dampening the impact on consumer prices from higher oil prices due to the US-Iran war and subsequent interruption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. — ABC News, 23 July 2026 The lifestyle guru, Reese Witherspoon, Katie Holmes, and Hailey Bieber have all been leaning into the breezy button-down shirt trend, which makes for such a chic swap for basic, look-dampening tees. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 20 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampening
  1. damping
  2. reducing
  3. undermining
  4. wetting
  5. blunting
  6. weakening
  7. moistening
  8. dulling
Verb
  • Steering response is quick, precise and abetted by standard rear-axle steering and adaptive damping that cushions bumps and keeps the car level and stable in quick maneuvers.
    — Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The swingarm geometry has been revised, and there is a new linkage system that has improved damping.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of damping
Verb
  • The expectation is that, with the SAFER barrier, cars will slide along it in an accident, reducing the risk of the car ending up bouncing back onto the racing line.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Asked by the Miami Herald who would cover the difference between what Hialeah pays Miami-Dade County for water and sewer services and what the city would collect after reducing customers’ bills by 25% or 50%, Calvo said there is no gap.
    — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of reducing
Verb
  • Desalination is becoming increasingly popular, especially as the climate crisis drives more severe heat and drought, undermining water security.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Western officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of conducting a campaign of sabotage and disruption in their countries with the aim of undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations, something Russia denies.
    — Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of undermining
Verb
  • Havenith said deliberately wetting clothing can provide evaporative cooling, including for older adults who may not sweat as effectively.
    — Aya Diab, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • For best results, water deeply at the base of the plant, allowing moisture to soak into the root zone rather than wetting the foliage, says Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of wetting
Verb
  • The law is aimed at blunting financial scams that often target older adults, which frequently include prompting victims to withdraw large sums of money at once.
    — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Semaglutide can hook into this system, blunting the usual pleasure from eating high-fat and sugary treats.
    — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of blunting
Verb
  • Rising operational and financing costs, weakening global demand and shifting trade dynamics ultimately led the board of directors to discontinue operations, the company said.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • An effective Houthi blockade of Bab al-Mandeb would open a new front in the war with Iran and could require US military intervention, potentially weakening Washington’s ability to keep ships moving through Hormuz.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of weakening
Verb
  • The next several days will see a cooling and moistening trend in both the Bay Area and Central Coast; temperatures are expected to be well below seasonal averages.
    — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • For this, Langelo recommends moistening the soil to make the weeds easier to pull.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 26 Apr. 2026
Definition of moistening
Verb
  • To protect himself, however, Trask has created an inhibitor field that de-powers any mutant nearby, dulling Wolverine’s healing power and ferocity.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Here are the cleaning mistakes that could be dulling your hardwood floors’ shine, as well as the simple fixes to restore their finish.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of dulling

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Cite this Entry

“Dampening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampening. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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