Synonym Chooser

How is the word dank distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dank are damp, humid, moist, and wet. While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness.

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

In what contexts can damp take the place of dank?

In some situations, the words damp and dank are roughly equivalent. However, damp implies a slight or moderate absorption and often connotes an unpleasant degree of moisture.

clothes will mildew if stored in a damp place

When is humid a more appropriate choice than dank?

The words humid and dank are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

Where would moist be a reasonable alternative to dank?

The words moist and dank can be used in similar contexts, but moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

When can wet be used instead of dank?

The meanings of wet and dank largely overlap; however, wet usually implies saturation but may suggest a covering of a surface with water or something (such as paint) not yet dry.

slipped on the wet pavement

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 dank In Ghana’s capital, follow a visit to a castle where captives waiting to be taken to the New World were held in dank dungeons with a trip to the Black Star of Africa sitting atop an arch, announcing Ghana’s independence. Gerald Narciso Jeremie Souteyrat, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 For one, the hair dye solution was so slippery and hard to control, women were using rags instead of towels and dank basement sinks to dye their hair in order to avoid making a mess in their own bathrooms. Esther K. Choy, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024 Five people could comfortably fit — and there were 43 of us crammed in a dank hole. Lea Lane, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 Think of the famous scene: wise men navigating by the stars—flaming constellations against a fathomless sky—searching the dank nooks of Rome’s empire for an incandescent child. Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 25 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for dank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dank
Adjective
  • Clean the Exterior and Reassemble the AC Unit Finally, wipe the exterior top and sides of the unit with a damp cloth.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2025
  • Most wallpapers should be lightly cleaned with a damp, soapy sponge and then wiped dry.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil Type: Medium to moist, well-draining, rich Soil pH: Neutral (6.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 7 With lacy foliage and tall flower spikes, larkspur adds gorgeous texture and upright structure to the summer garden.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
  • Keep the soil moist to prevent stress that would affect fruit drop.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dank. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dank

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