1
as in undermines
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 dampens
to make or become slightly or moderately wet
damp the shirt slightly before ironing it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reduces
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
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 damps
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damps
Verb
-
The Productivity Paradox The cruel irony of America’s sleep deficit is that overwork undermines the output it’s meant to produce.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
4 May 2026
-
Any deputy found engaging in behavior that undermines the integrity of the department will face appropriate discipline.—
Sierra van der Brug,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
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,
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
Verb
-
Congress should invest in technology, innovation and infrastructure that reduces wildfire risk, protects water supply and develops cleaner energy that works for California families.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
Also, reusing local rubble reduces the carbon emissions from transporting heavy sand and gravel across long distances.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 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
-
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
-
If the search for a large outdoor planter exhausts you—just get a terra-cotta planter.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
6 Apr. 2026
-
As the oil blockade quickly exhausts Cuba’s supply of fuel, triggering a series of lengthy, island-wide blackouts, many here are exhausted and are becoming increasingly vocal about their desire for fundamental changes in Cuba.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 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
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Damps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damps. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
