1
as in undermining
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality
refused to let the setbacks damp his drive for success
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wetting
to make or become slightly or moderately wet
damp the shirt slightly before ironing it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reducing
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
nothing seemed to damp the unwelcome attentions of her suitor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of damping
While your seed starting mix mustn't fully dry out, keeping it overly wet and soggy can lead to damping off and other issues that will kill your seedlings.
—
Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 6 Apr. 2026
Through careful tuning of an extended Kalman filter and by taking advantage of bamboo’s natural vibration-damping properties, the system slashes control latency from 15–20 milliseconds down to just 8–10 milliseconds, enhancing responsiveness while keeping flight stable.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
This peripheral features silent key switches with additional sound-damping material in the chassis, as well as dedicated shortcut keys and a volume knob.
—Aubrey Jowers, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
The only change here, though, is that the KB399 gets more suspension adjustment than the Kawasaki, thanks to preload and damping adjusters.
—New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2026
For supply siders, higher taxes are like kryptonite to an economy, discouraging businesses from investing and damping entrepreneurial activity.
—Robert Burgess, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
Increase Air Circulation and Humidity Place a small fan near the seed starting area to keep the air moving and reduce damping off, a common fungal disease.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026
The damping is also harsher than the bZ’s, but make no mistake, the ride’s still soft and generally comfortable, and this thing unapologetically rolls in the bends.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 18 Feb. 2026
But between noise-damping wind and helmets, some athletes don’t notice.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 6 Apr. 2026
Through careful tuning of an extended Kalman filter and by taking advantage of bamboo’s natural vibration-damping properties, the system slashes control latency from 15–20 milliseconds down to just 8–10 milliseconds, enhancing responsiveness while keeping flight stable.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
This peripheral features silent key switches with additional sound-damping material in the chassis, as well as dedicated shortcut keys and a volume knob.
—Aubrey Jowers, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
The only change here, though, is that the KB399 gets more suspension adjustment than the Kawasaki, thanks to preload and damping adjusters.
—New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2026
For supply siders, higher taxes are like kryptonite to an economy, discouraging businesses from investing and damping entrepreneurial activity.
—Robert Burgess, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
Increase Air Circulation and Humidity Place a small fan near the seed starting area to keep the air moving and reduce damping off, a common fungal disease.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026
The damping is also harsher than the bZ’s, but make no mistake, the ride’s still soft and generally comfortable, and this thing unapologetically rolls in the bends.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 18 Feb. 2026
But between noise-damping wind and helmets, some athletes don’t notice.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damping
Verb
-
The longtime leader — whom critics accuse of undermining democracy and whose government has been reported to have worked closely with Moscow to undermine European sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine — has seen his support crumble over economic mismanagement and alleged corruption.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party said Cheng has misrepresented Taiwanese public opinion in her trip to China and accused the KMT of undermining national security.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Considerations Before Getting Started Before cleaning your sidewalks, gather some basic safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection, and protect plants and grass bordering your sidewalk from bleach and cleaners by wetting them down and covering them with plastic sheeting or old towels.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2026
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When cleaning your upholstered headboard, avoid over-wetting it.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The station initially bridged the sudden budget gap last year by reaching out to donors directly and reducing costs to bring down overhead.—
Savannah Sicurella,
AJC.com,
11 Apr. 2026
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The ship suffered substantial damage, and the Reagan administration retaliated by damaging or sinking three Iranian warships and three oil platforms, drastically reducing Tehran’s ability to engage in the gulf.—
Dalia Abdelwahab,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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However, the brand has seen month-on-month declines in sales since September 2025, pointing to weakening momentum in its core NEV lineup.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Apr. 2026
-
However, some Democrats warn against weakening their candidates when facing a Republican Party that’s flush with cash.—
Leah Askarinam,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Build budgets that defend your savings without dampening your enthusiasm.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
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In addition to adding decorative flair to windows and doors, these multipurpose window treatments promote privacy and block light, with many designs offering temperature-regulating and sound-dampening qualities to boot.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Another suggestion was requiring special sound-deadening balls, currently available, that lower the decibel levels considerably.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
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Both nationally and in Minnesota , there has been a shift away from intelligent discussion of public policy to endless partisan warfare with a deadening impact on the public.—
Arne Carlson,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While attacks are currently focused on financial fraud and draining the accounts of victims, InfoBlox says the level of access these trojans offer would allow expansion into extortion, blackmail, and corporate breaches including ransomware attacks on companies.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
7 Apr. 2026
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If root rot may be an issue, repot the plant in fresh soil, and make sure to use a well-draining pot that will keep the soil from becoming too soggy in the future.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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For indoor growers, Karsch recommends moistening your seed starting mix well before filling trays or small pots and planting, then keeping it moist with a spray bottle or mister.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Your nose is better at warming and moistening the cold, dry air than your mouth.—
Susan Russell,
Verywell Health,
23 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Damping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damping. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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