1
as in holes
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
2
as in reductions
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 reduces
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 dents
Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
Uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, sidewall bulges or blisters and dents in wheel rims.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
One of these conditions involves any severe corrosion, dents, or cracks in the pipes.
—Molly McCrea, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
Anyway, dents are coming for the Patriots next year when their road will get much rockier, and all of this schedule conversation will inevitably subside.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 7 Dec. 2025
Keep yours protected from scratches and dents with this leather zip case.
—Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2025
Additionally, because it’s made from stainless steel, this tumbler is resistant to dents and drops.
—Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025
Even worse, scratches, dents, and imperfections can stand out dramatically.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
The roomy, high-cut ABS shell fits a variety of head shapes and shrugs off dents, while adjustable sizing ensures comfort.
—Outside, 21 Oct. 2025
Max Bultman, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
The Lakers, like the Celtics, are tenants in their arena, which dents their ability to drive revenue from concerts and other events.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Whether this latest controversy dents MrBeast's online empire or prompts wider scrutiny of influencer accountability remains to be seen.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
For example, if a falling tree branch breaks your windshield or hail dents your car, comprehensive coverage can pay for repairs.
—Brandi D. Addison, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
Fill in any deeper scratches or dents with a wax wood repair kit to match.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
Uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, sidewall bulges or blisters and dents in wheel rims.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
One of these conditions involves any severe corrosion, dents, or cracks in the pipes.
—Molly McCrea, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
Anyway, dents are coming for the Patriots next year when their road will get much rockier, and all of this schedule conversation will inevitably subside.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 7 Dec. 2025
Keep yours protected from scratches and dents with this leather zip case.
—Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2025
Additionally, because it’s made from stainless steel, this tumbler is resistant to dents and drops.
—Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025
Even worse, scratches, dents, and imperfections can stand out dramatically.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
The roomy, high-cut ABS shell fits a variety of head shapes and shrugs off dents, while adjustable sizing ensures comfort.
—Outside, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
The Red Wings’ penalty kill has been better on the whole this season, though an 0-for-3 showing certainly dents their numbers and drops them to 80 percent on the season.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
The Lakers, like the Celtics, are tenants in their arena, which dents their ability to drive revenue from concerts and other events.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Whether this latest controversy dents MrBeast's online empire or prompts wider scrutiny of influencer accountability remains to be seen.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
For example, if a falling tree branch breaks your windshield or hail dents your car, comprehensive coverage can pay for repairs.
—Brandi D. Addison, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dents
Noun
-
Bhatia made it through 47 holes of this signature event until his first bogey when the strengthening wind sent his tee shot well over the green on the par-3 12th.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Another method is to use injection-spray bars to create thousands of small holes on a course, using nozzles that force water into the snow.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The analyst is positive about ConocoPhillips achieving its 2029 free cash flow target, supported by its four major growth projects (NFE, North Field South, Port Arthur, and Willow) and $1 billion in cost reductions and margin enhancements.—
,
CNBC,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Despite funding reductions, international producers remain keen to shoot in the country, Keidies says.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This abundance reduces material costs and supply chain risks.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Removing whey from yogurt reduces the amount of carbs and sugar and concentrates more protein per ounce as a result.—
Kristen Gasnick,
Verywell Health,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
With fire pits on the beach, showers and a front-row view of the sun sinking into the Pacific, Mike and Nicole Wirth had no complaint about their $45 overnights at Dockweiler Beach.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Apple seeds and peach pits are an example of a seed that is not true-to-type.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For those who continue to feed, baseline prolactin decreases (though still rises during feeding), and oxytocin becomes more consistent.—
Hannah Silverman,
Parents,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Around two-thirds of European countries experienced declines in admissions in 2025, with the extent of the decreases varying significantly.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Also, like candy, these sweet ingredients can stick to your teeth and lead to cavities.—
Jamie Johnson,
Verywell Health,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Underground cavities found on Venus Taking a fresh look at radar data collected by Magellan, a team of scientists were able to spot a large underground cavity on Venus created by lava flow.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Rosehip oil can be applied pure to clean, dry skin on both the face and body using a few drops massaged in gently.—
Beatrice Zocchi,
Vogue,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The brand will operate seasonlessly through drops, with collaborations and ambassador partnerships in development.—
Ritu Upadhyay,
Footwear News,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The indentations in the squishy mud harkened to a creature that had webbed toes and distinct claws.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Behind the case of salumi and a variety of spreads — all of which, aside from turkey and pastrami, are imported from Italy — rectangular focaccia loaves, golden brown with deep indentations, sat inside a basket covered with a gingham towel.—
Bahar Anooshahr,
AZCentral.com,
2 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dents. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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