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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dampens
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
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, 19 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
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
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, 19 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.—
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 future demands a neutral, interoperable and intelligent global trade infrastructure that reduces friction, expands inclusion and restores trust across borders.—
Meelan Gupta,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Unplugging protects against power surges and reduces fire hazards.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
The Big 12 also has its own sports betting policy that forbids coaches, staff and athletes from engaging in sports wagering activity that undermines the integrity of games.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
15 June 2026
-
Progressives across the country have spent years arguing that unlimited outside spending distorts democracy, empowers wealthy interests, and undermines trust in government.—
Julie Won,
New York Daily News,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Buttermilk makes this cake tender while adding vegetable oil moistens the cake.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
18 May 2026
-
Users place the pouch between the gum and upper lip, where saliva moistens it and releases nicotine.—
Fran Kritz,
Verywell Health,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
His status as a third-round pick dulls how the Eagles view his potential to fulfill either question.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
8 June 2026
-
Concern has grown over on whether AI will become a catalyst that enriches humanity or a technological toxin that dulls human intelligence while wiping out millions of high-paying jobs.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Restricting those channels weakens influence competitors have struggled to match.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
-
Iran’s government warned that any division at home over the deal weakens its negotiating position, and that those criticizing negotiators are taking aim at a national decision.—
Julia Frankel,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 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
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
-
Their sense of contribution diminishes.—
ByBryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dampens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampens. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
