1
as in hole
a sunken area forming a separate space
there was a big dent in the car's hood where something had hit it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in decrease
the amount by which something is lessened
a little belt-tightening would at least make a small dent in our credit-card debt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to reduce
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
hopefully this vacation won't dent our bank account too much
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dent
Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
Intel has been happy to discard money-losing side projects in recent years, and dedicated Arc GPUs have struggled to make much of a dent in the GPU market.
—Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
After back-to-back three-and-outs to open the second half, Apple Valley (2-3) methodically moved down the field to dent the scoreboard for the first time.
—Andrew Cornelius, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dent
Noun
And yet, the nation's fourth-largest bank is barely making a dent in the credit card market compared to its larger rivals JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup .
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
Intel has been happy to discard money-losing side projects in recent years, and dedicated Arc GPUs have struggled to make much of a dent in the GPU market.
—Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
Also, a tomato can was dented badly enough for a Stop Sale.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
After back-to-back three-and-outs to open the second half, Apple Valley (2-3) methodically moved down the field to dent the scoreboard for the first time.
—Andrew Cornelius, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dent
Noun
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If the goal is a lineup with as few holes as possible, the Hurricanes do so more emphatically than any other team in the league.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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The wire makes digging up the bulbs more difficult, but allows the foliage to easily grow through the wire holes.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Homicides, nonfatal shootings and carjackings have all seen significant decreases in the past year.—
Monroe Trombly,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
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Greg Zaiser, vice president for enrollment at Elon, told the outlet the school was expecting the enrollment decrease due to an overall demographic shift.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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To reduce the risk of mosquito bites and West Nile virus, health officials recommend using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
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Autos Are an Economic Anchor China’s bold move into electric vehicles began in 2009 as a top-down policy to compete with foreign automakers, cut air pollution and reduce oil imports.—
Rebecca A. Fannin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Outside, guests can relax by the fire pits, stroll along the river, and, in the evening, enjoy a complimentary wine and beer reception.—
Lauren Jones,
Southern Living,
5 Oct. 2025
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More than 200 pits have already been identified on the moon’s surface, and in 2024, NASA confirmed the presence of a large underground cavity.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Sony’s Ohama, however, hinted that the RGB’s foundation in the LED architecture that sets have used for backlighting for the past 15 or so years might allow for cost reductions over time.—
Rob Pegoraro,
PC Magazine,
7 Oct. 2025
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The Ember report also indicated a modest decline in global power sector emissions, down by 12 million tonnes of CO₂, largely due to reductions in China and India.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Each one-liter bottle helps kill 99% of bad breath germs, strengthen enamel and fight cavities.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
7 Oct. 2025
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Simply cut a hole in the top of a pumpkin, scoop out the insides, and place a candle inside the cavity to create a warm fall light.—
Emily Williams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Follow the album drop LIVE with USA TODAY Taylor Swift Reporter Byran West and read USA TODAY's glittering review of Swift's playful pop.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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Transform a small entryway into a functional living area by incorporating a bench for seating, a side table, and a chest of drawers for drop-zone storage near the door.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Treasury yields fell Wednesday after new data showed a surprise decline in private payrolls, while traders monitored the consequences of the government shutdown after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on the federal funding bill.—
Sean Conlon,Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
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The company may still boast one of Silicon Valley’s most storied names, but its staff, which numbered 96,000 as of the end of July, had worked for years through nearly uninterrupted decline, watching their company lose nearly all relevance.—
Lila MacLellan,
Fortune,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dent. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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