1
as in damps
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reduces
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
the oppressive heat dampened our spirits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in undermines
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality
nothing could dampen their enthusiasm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dampens
As someone who enjoys gardening and beautifying my yard, one thing that always dampens my mood is the sight of weeds.
—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
18 June 2026
El Nino often dampens — but doesn’t eliminate — Atlantic hurricane season activity, but increases it in the Pacific.
—
Seth Borenstein,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
Water dampens how far debris gets thrown, as anyone who has ever tried throwing an object underwater can confirm.
—
Quanta Magazine,
26 May 2026
That’s way too many and dampens his 56 strikeouts and only 36 hits allowed.
—
Chuck Murr,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
The exertion dampens some of the mirth.
—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
The divider dampens cabin noise and provides a visual barrier from the aisle, restroom lines and galley traffic.
—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
This dampens the volatility of month-to-month without overlooking changes in year-to-year.
—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2026
Snow also dampens the sound and may slightly reduce the danger compared to a typical thunderstorm.
—
Brandi D. Addison,
IndyStar,
23 Jan. 2026
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
18 June 2026
El Nino often dampens — but doesn’t eliminate — Atlantic hurricane season activity, but increases it in the Pacific.
—
Seth Borenstein,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
Water dampens how far debris gets thrown, as anyone who has ever tried throwing an object underwater can confirm.
—
Quanta Magazine,
26 May 2026
That’s way too many and dampens his 56 strikeouts and only 36 hits allowed.
—
Chuck Murr,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
The exertion dampens some of the mirth.
—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
The divider dampens cabin noise and provides a visual barrier from the aisle, restroom lines and galley traffic.
—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
This dampens the volatility of month-to-month without overlooking changes in year-to-year.
—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2026
Snow also dampens the sound and may slightly reduce the danger compared to a typical thunderstorm.
—
Brandi D. Addison,
IndyStar,
23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampens
Verb
-
Ash wood damps the micro-vibrations of rough urban pavement in a way aluminum and steel can't match without extra engineering.
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While the standard model damps the road irregularities, the S feels more glued down, even in its softest setting, Sport.
Verb
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Good posture helps prevent aches in the back, neck and shoulders, reduces joint wear and lowers the risk of sports injuries, according to Cleveland Clinic.
-
Skipping the stove and oven also reduces indoor heat, so lean on cold sandwiches, salads and no-cook meals during the worst hours.
Verb
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That pressure erodes well-being, undermines family life, and disproportionately impacts working parents and caregivers.
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It is believed internally that the organization’s independence has been dramatically compromised because she is also perceived as an opinion journalist with political ties to the current administration, which further undermines her credibility.
Verb
-
Buttermilk makes this cake tender while adding vegetable oil moistens the cake.
-
Users place the pouch between the gum and upper lip, where saliva moistens it and releases nicotine.
Verb
-
And that difference matters, because the same adaptation that dulls our good experiences can dull a gratitude practice, too.
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His status as a third-round pick dulls how the Eagles view his potential to fulfill either question.
Verb
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When foreign investors pull money out of the country, demand for the rupiah drops, and the currency weakens.
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Every interaction either builds confidence or weakens it.
Verb
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Unfortunately, that only wets the top quarter inch of soil—a feel-good move for gardeners but not for roots.
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Another Pearl Girl wets herself when the Eyes come for Thalia.
Verb
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In most lakes oxygen content diminishes rapidly at depths below 35 feet.
-
None of this diminishes the responsibility of wealthy countries.
Cite this Entry
“Dampens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampens. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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