damps

verb

present tense third-person singular of damp
1
as in undermines
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality refused to let the setbacks damp his drive for success

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dampens
to make or become slightly or moderately wet damp the shirt slightly before ironing it

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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

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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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damps
  1. undermines
  2. dampens
  3. reduces
  4. weakens
  5. moistens
  6. deadens
  7. exhausts
  8. wets
Verb
  • Also, and not to totally belabor the point, but limiting analysis of the NFL’s impact on the ad market to in-game revenue effectively undermines the second-order impact on non-NFL pricing.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Unethical conduct undermines the rule of law, risks national security, and sets a dangerous precedent for every level of government.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of undermines
Verb
  • That pillowy feeling is thanks to their dreamstrike+ foam, which absorbs shock and dampens the impact of each step—especially important when walking on unforgiving surfaces, like cobblestones or concrete.
    — Shannon Bauer, InStyle, 28 June 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, 18 June 2026
Definition of dampens
Verb
  • Bright colors pop across the entire massive IPS panel, even at different viewing angles, and a zippy 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and keeps everything on-screen smooth.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Swimming also reduces stress as rhythmic breathing and movement trigger the release of brain chemicals such as endorphins and dopamine, which produce a sense of euphoria and well-being.
    — Michael McColly, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of reduces
Verb
  • As that constraint weakens, so, too, may an incentive for restraint.
    — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Infants with the condition may have lifelong complications and may need a heart transplant if the defect is complex, or if the heart weakens after surgery, according to the federal health agency.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of weakens
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
Definition of moistens
Verb
  • Oppressively hot, lie-down-and-take-a-nap hot, hydration-break hot, the kind of hot that deadens feet.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
Definition of deadens
Verb
  • That’s because even ordinary winds – and far worse, storms and earthquakes – cause tall buildings to sway, which ruins people’s concentration, wrecks their mood, and even exhausts them.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 July 2026
  • Watching this scene, and much of the film, exhausts me.
    — Jenny Odell, Longreads, 2 June 2026
Definition of exhausts
Verb
  • Unfortunately, that only wets the top quarter inch of soil—a feel-good move for gardeners but not for roots.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2026
  • Another Pearl Girl wets herself when the Eyes come for Thalia.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Definition of wets

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damps
dams
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Cite this Entry

“Damps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damps. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on damps

Nglish: Translation of damps for Spanish Speakers

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