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
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
Shane Bieber's surprising decision to pick up his $16 million player option dampens the need for rotation help, but the Blue Jays will pursue both starters and relievers this winter.
—Patrick McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
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
Shane Bieber's surprising decision to pick up his $16 million player option dampens the need for rotation help, but the Blue Jays will pursue both starters and relievers this winter.
—Patrick McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 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
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This single habit dramatically reduces soap scum, the same buildup that makes tile floors dangerously slippery.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
-
This reduces their effectiveness, slowing down your machine and causing long-term damage.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
DeSantis said that provision requires lawmakers to consider race and undermines the Fair Districts Amendment as a whole — paving the legal pathway to getting around the state’s partisan gerrymandering ban altogether.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Families and businesses cannot plan ahead, which undermines investment, growth, and prosperity.—
Gregg Nunziata,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 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
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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
-
Expanding nonmedical exemptions, however, weakens the very protections those medically vulnerable children depend on.—
Sarah Marsicek,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Critics say allowing the department to delay or sideline state investigations weakens one of the last independent checks on government lawyers.—
Jaclyn Diaz,
NPR,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Even a simple soaker hose is better than a sprinkler system that wets the foliage, which can make plants prone to blights and mildews.—
Marie Iannotti,
The Spruce,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Sweat that can’t escape wets a jacket’s layer of insulation and accelerates heat loss.—
Longji Cui,
The Conversation,
26 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Definition softens, dry lips are a constant, volume diminishes, and suddenly your favorite Pillow Talk Lip Liner is migrating and smudging into fine lines.—
Micaela English,
Glamour,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dampens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampens. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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