Synonyms of dampening

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• damping
• wetting
• moistening
• flushing
• rinsing
• washing
• bedewing
• saturating
• soaking
• laving
• drenching
• watering
• impregnating
• bathing
• dousing
• immersing
• dunking
• steeping
• dipping
• humidifying
• irrigating
• sluicing
• refreshing
• sousing
• immerging
• rehydrating
• remoistening

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• drying
• scorching
• searing
• dehydrating
• parching
• dehumidifying
• desiccating

2

as in reducing

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling

the oppressive heat dampened our spirits

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reducing
• damping
• blunting
• dulling
• deadening
• diminishing
• weakening
• subsiding
• decreasing
• numbing
• easing
• benumbing
• subduing
• muffling
• alleviating
• cauterizing
• lowering
• muting
• lessening
• debilitating
• waning
• tapering (off)
• lightening
• dwindling
• moderating
• toning (down)
• receding
• enfeebling
• letting up (on)
• abating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sharpening
• enhancing
• strengthening
• deepening
• intensifying
• augmenting
• consolidating
• amplifying
• boosting
• heightening
• magnifying
• stimulating
• stepping up
• whetting
• arousing
• animating
• redoubling
• beefing (up)

3

as in undermining

to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality

nothing could dampen their enthusiasm

Synonyms & Similar Words

• undermining
• weakening
• damping
• draining
• exhausting
• deadening
• wearing
• enervating
• petrifying
• desiccating
• dehydrating
• castrating
• devitalizing
• discouraging
• sapping
• lobotomizing
• debilitating
• enfeebling
• fatiguing
• burning out
• gelding
• wearing out
• dispiriting
• disheartening
• daunting
• demoralizing
• tuckering (out)
• doing in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stimulating
• bracing
• energizing
• enlivening
• quickening
• invigorating
• stirring
• vitalizing
• arousing
• rousing
• vivifying
• triggering
• charging
• galvanizing
• exciting
• firing
• electrifying
• lifting
• provoking
• inciting
• sparking
• fomenting
• kindling
• fermenting
• boosting
• inflaming
• whipping (up)
• cheering
• instigating
• buoying
• fortifying
• abetting
• inspiring
• reviving
• renewing
• revitalizing
• reawakening
• regenerating
• rejuvenating
• rekindling
• reactivating
• recharging
• resurrecting
• refreshing
• resuscitating
• emboldening
• reenergizing
• heartening
• reanimating
• reawaking

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dampening

Chris Costagli, a vice president and food thought leader at NielsenIQ, said high gas prices have worsened Americans’ concerns about affordability, and that's dampening demand for Halloween treats. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

An improved suspension helped, as did the additional sound dampening made possible by its unified construction. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

The rise in interest rates could put pressure on Wall Street firms’ trading returns, while also dampening the outlook for the IPO market and dealmaking, as well as the consumer. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

As a result, this yield spike is driving mortgage rates higher, dampening housing demand among homebuyers. — CNBC, 2 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

There's no hybrid system assisting the engine, no all-wheel-drive, no parking sensors, and no sound dampening materials. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 15 Sep. 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