DENT Synonyms: 173 Similar and Opposite Words

dent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of dent

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

dent

2 of 2

verb

ˈdent

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

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 dent

Noun

With builds ranging up to $6,000, the new ROG Strix Scar 18 will make a substantial dent in your bank account. — Marshall Honorof, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026 Most obviously, a dent in the AI buildout would translate directly into a slowdown in related electricity demand growth. — Justin Worland, Time, 23 Oct. 2026

Verb

The Fed’s problem is that its best tool for fighting inflation doesn’t seem to be denting the demand for AI inputs. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2026 The temple has long been a revered institution in Thailand, where the majority of the population are Buddhist, but its image has been dented by the financial scandal. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dent

Noun

In higher-dimensional gravity, certain black-hole-like objects, such as black strings, can become unstable and fragment.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Sabbatini played his final six holes in 6-under par, which included his 25-foot eagle putt from the fringe on the par-5 15th hole.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of hole

Noun

On the other hand, eight months of daylight saving time isn’t enough for business owners, who see decreases in foot traffic as evenings get darker.

— Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Officials say during his time in office, the department launched its real-time crime center, created the Neighborhood Resource Unit and Citizens Advisory Committee, and saw crime decrease by double digits annually.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of decrease

Verb

Integrating the interceptor into existing launch infrastructure could reduce the need for extensive equipment changes.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
People can donate clean costumes and pick a new one, reducing waste and the resources and emissions required to make new ones.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of reduce

Noun

For colder months, a fire pit or propane heater stored and used safely, plus heated blankets, can keep the area in play.

— Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
For year-round use, add shade with sail shades, pergolas or umbrellas, and plan for cold weather with a fire pit or propane heater (stored and used safely) plus heated blankets.

— Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of pit

Noun

But this year, OVS slashed its funding, forcing service reductions and uncertainty while barring the program from using grant money to help survivors across county lines.

— Connie Neal, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026
Subramaniam said the company is on track to achieve $650 million in operating profit improvement in Europe by the 2029 fiscal year, the majority of which will be cost reduction.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of reduction

Noun

Step 3 Unwrap turkey and remove giblets and any other parts (such as neck) that may be inside cavity; save for gravy if desired.

— Alton Brown, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026
The new technology instead places the diamond directly inside a laser cavity.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of cavity

Noun

To Nothing’s credit, the case gets IPX2 ingress protection, so a drop of rain now and then shouldn’t kill it.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Vaibhav steps into the India lineup in place of Ishan Kishan who has a groin injury and will bat at first drop unless India chooses to match him in an all left hand opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of drop

Noun

But over the past year, the company has seen its share price decline by approximately a third, largely due to rising costs.

— Rob Wile, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026
The decline was among the most noteworthy changes in polling about the November ballot, PPIC poll director Mark Baldassare told The Sacramento Bee.

— Andrew Graham October 27, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of decline

Browse Nearby Words

density

dent

dented

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Dent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dent. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of dent

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

wraith

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes