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
Relevance
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
Low-cost carriers rely on high customer volume to turn a profit, which has become harder to come by as the war dampens travel demand.
—
Los Angeles Times, 1 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
Light watering that only dampens the top layer of grass encourages weak root systems.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
Recession risk dampens the confidence for big purchases, even if mortgage math improves.
—John Walkup, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Snow also dampens the sound and may slightly reduce the danger compared to a typical thunderstorm.
—Brandi D. Addison, IndyStar, 23 Jan. 2026
Strong winds eventually pushed it back into an icy area south of Grand Haven, where it became wedged in thick ice, providing data on how much ice actually dampens strong waves.
—Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Its shock absorber dampens noise even further by protecting against accidental movement like bumps and knocks.
—PC Magazine, 19 Nov. 2025
Los Angeles Times, 1 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
Light watering that only dampens the top layer of grass encourages weak root systems.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
Recession risk dampens the confidence for big purchases, even if mortgage math improves.
—John Walkup, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Snow also dampens the sound and may slightly reduce the danger compared to a typical thunderstorm.
—Brandi D. Addison, IndyStar, 23 Jan. 2026
Strong winds eventually pushed it back into an icy area south of Grand Haven, where it became wedged in thick ice, providing data on how much ice actually dampens strong waves.
—Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Its shock absorber dampens noise even further by protecting against accidental movement like bumps and knocks.
—PC Magazine, 19 Nov. 2025
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.—
Omar Kardoudi
April 15,
New Atlas,
15 Apr. 2026
-
While the standard model damps the road irregularities, the S feels more glued down, even in its softest setting, Sport.—
Basem Wasef,
Robb Report,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The system enables closed-loop recycling, which extends material life cycles and reduces cotton emissions and pollution.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Footwear News,
14 May 2026
-
Oatmeal's beta-glucan fiber helps curb hunger, supports weight loss, and reduces harmful visceral fat.—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Elsewhere on that flank, Pedro Lima and Rodrigo Gomes are talented players who, even allowing for the naivety of youth that sometimes undermines their efforts, Wolves are likely to want to keep for next season in the Championship.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
-
Academic struggles Stoner’s career is briefly thwarted by Hollis Lomax, a fellow professor who undermines Stoner’s professional advancement.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Dermatologists created this moisturizing lotion, which moistens your tattoo and creates a protective skin barrier.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Buttermilk makes this cake tender while adding vegetable oil moistens the cake.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Roasting the root veggie dulls their spiciness and brings out their natural sweetness, so much so, the technique might just convert some radish haters.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Despite its stellar cast, the cumbersome plot dulls the comedic beats that would otherwise be razor-sharp.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But the weakening of that regime weakens the proxies as well.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 May 2026
-
Jeff Marks, director of portfolio analysis for the Club, said the report weakens the case for near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts because the labor market remains stable.—
Alexa LoMonaco,
CNBC,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Another Pearl Girl wets herself when the Eyes come for Thalia.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
-
Spray wets leaves and in the cool hours, leaves are susceptible to deadly molds and mildew.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Davis has either tuned out or somehow remained oblivious to any fan sentiment that diminishes the magnitude of his home run because of what unfolded after it.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
If the College Football Playoff expands, the urgency of the regular season diminishes by comparison, and in a sport that had, inarguably, the greatest regular season in sports, that's a huge blow.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dampens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampens. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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