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
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
While the group cheers and parties at a bar, a news report on the TV dampens the mood.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Luckily for them, the Carolina Panthers have even further to go on defense, which dampens the exciting second half of the season produced by QB Bryce Young and the offense.
—Austin Mock, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
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
While the group cheers and parties at a bar, a news report on the TV dampens the mood.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Luckily for them, the Carolina Panthers have even further to go on defense, which dampens the exciting second half of the season produced by QB Bryce Young and the offense.
—Austin Mock, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampens
Verb
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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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Recycling sports equipment not only keeps it out of landfills, but reduces the need for new equipment to be manufactured, Clarkin said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
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Being up to date on taxes reduces the amount of penalties and interest that builds from waiting.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Pribisco said the bill undermines public trust and perception of officers in communities that already have heavy interactions with police officers.—
Marta Zherukha,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Requiring them to operate as ordinary MPIA applicants misunderstands their role and undermines their purpose.—
Vaughn Stewart,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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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The common expectation is that loss dulls over time, that the sharp edges round off.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Mar. 2026
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To Prevent Dull Edges Chef's Knives A sharp chef's knife can make or break your dinner prep, and putting it in the dishwasher dulls the blade over time.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Dark money significantly weakens democracy.—
Willie Wilson,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
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Even as the wealth tax debate weakens Khanna’s support among Silicon Valley heavyweights, this may not be enough to unseat him, Maviglio said, noting the tax would affect fewer than 250 people in the state.—
Julia Shapero,
The Hill,
11 Mar. 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
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Sweat that can’t escape wets a jacket’s layer of insulation and accelerates heat loss.—
Longji Cui,
The Conversation,
26 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Mar. 2026
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Some said Adebayo’s night diminishes sports history.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dampens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampens. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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