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

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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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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
  • Such an approach undermines confidence in FIFA’s governance framework and diminishes the authority of its statutory bodies.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • The new law, however, includes a provision that critics say undermines privacy and threatens individual safety.
    — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 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
  • The airborne method also reduces long scheduling times at specialized facilities by finishing tests in one flight.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026
  • According to the Texas Department of Transportation, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying in a car crash by 45 percent in passenger cars and 60 percent in pickup trucks.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026
Definition of reduces
Verb
  • In fact, researchers warn that regular use not only weakens healthy sleep but increases the risk of dependence.
    — Joan M. Cook, Time, 31 July 2026
  • Water limits visibility and weakens the effectiveness of traditional surveillance systems such as radar.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 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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Cite this Entry

“Damps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damps. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of damps for Spanish Speakers

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