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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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
  • While American fans were glad to have him back, the arbitrary way this decision was reached undermines the integrity of the sport.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026
  • The plaintiffs further insist that the NCAA allowing former G League players and other ex-pros to play undermines the association’s position that Borovicanin and his fellow plaintiffs can’t play.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 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
  • First, adding nutrients reduces the amount of carbon that plants send below ground to microbes.
    — Esther Ndumi Ngumbi, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
  • Classifying workers as independent contractors reduces overhead, simplifies hiring and feels flexible.
    — Gary Galstyan, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of reduces
Verb
  • Fresh concrete is alkaline enough to shield the metal from rust, but carbonation gradually lowers its pH and weakens that protection.
    — Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 11 July 2026
  • As the sun grows lighter, its gravitational grip weakens, pushing the surviving planets outward into a wider orbit that could double their distance from the star, according to NASA.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 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
  • Watching this scene, and much of the film, exhausts me.
    — Jenny Odell, Longreads, 2 June 2026
  • If the search for a large outdoor planter exhausts you—just get a terra-cotta planter.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 6 Apr. 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on damps

Nglish: Translation of damps for Spanish Speakers

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