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
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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
Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 17 June 2026
But several shots appear to hit with enough force to leave visible impact marks and dents in the wall.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
In addition to the two smaller punctures, there were also dents and creases.
—Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Ideal for dressers, doors, desks, and even hardwood floors, the kit includes six markers for surface-level touchups in shades like cherry, walnut, and mahogany, plus six wax sticks to fill deeper dents and gouges.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026
From there, observe any dents, soft spots or cracks.
—Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 25 May 2026
Hail damage can be subtle — granule loss and small dents that shorten a roof’s life without obvious leaks.
—Ryan Brennan
may 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Avoid cans that have dents or lid damage, as this can increase the risk of bacteria that cause botulism (a form of food poisoning).
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026
Check your propane level and inspect the tank for any visible dents or damage if using a gas grill.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 June 2026
The growth further dents the case for an interest rate cut, as US monetary policymakers discuss possibly raising the cost of borrowing.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 2 June 2026
Which is harder — landing a human on the moon or hitting a home run that dents the top of a foul pole in a major-league game?
—Jayson Stark, New York Times, 8 May 2026
The richest man alive, Elon Musk, has countered that taxing every billionaire at 100% barely dents the $39 trillion national debt.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
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
Watch for dents, broken springs, or light coming through, as these can strain parts and lead to bigger issues.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 17 June 2026
But several shots appear to hit with enough force to leave visible impact marks and dents in the wall.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
In addition to the two smaller punctures, there were also dents and creases.
—Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Ideal for dressers, doors, desks, and even hardwood floors, the kit includes six markers for surface-level touchups in shades like cherry, walnut, and mahogany, plus six wax sticks to fill deeper dents and gouges.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026
From there, observe any dents, soft spots or cracks.
—Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 25 May 2026
Hail damage can be subtle — granule loss and small dents that shorten a roof’s life without obvious leaks.
—Ryan Brennan
may 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Avoid cans that have dents or lid damage, as this can increase the risk of bacteria that cause botulism (a form of food poisoning).
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026
Check your propane level and inspect the tank for any visible dents or damage if using a gas grill.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
Verb
What happened next haunts the dreams, dents the bravura of every New Yorker.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 June 2026
The growth further dents the case for an interest rate cut, as US monetary policymakers discuss possibly raising the cost of borrowing.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 2 June 2026
Which is harder — landing a human on the moon or hitting a home run that dents the top of a foul pole in a major-league game?
—Jayson Stark, New York Times, 8 May 2026
The richest man alive, Elon Musk, has countered that taxing every billionaire at 100% barely dents the $39 trillion national debt.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
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
-
That can leave known security holes sitting open.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
As the underground limestone dissolves, cracks and holes are created, which eventually cause the ground above to collapse.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
While a dollar or two may not seem dramatic at first glance, these kinds of reductions can add up quickly for Costco members who regularly purchase staple items, and that is a win worth celebrating.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
15 June 2026
-
The leadership team aimed to protect the product roadmap and innovation capacity, while directing most reductions to G&A, sales and marketing, and corporate functions.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
This degrades your brake system’s stopping power, which reduces the overall safety of your vehicle.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
-
While magnesium may support a healthy heart, there is no clear evidence that taking magnesium supplements reduces your risk of heart disease or regulates your blood pressure.—
Emmanuella Ogbonna,
Health,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Evidence Of Ancient Solstice Ceremonies The excavations at Bulford revealed 48 pits containing pottery, animal bone, worked flints and charcoal.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
Smoke from barbecue pits fills the air while tables are covered in classic dishes that everyone looks forward to all year.—
Abby Price,
Southern Living,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Following significant reforms in 2022 and 2023, 18 new carriers have entered the market, and dozens have filed for rate decreases, some by double digits.—
Chuck Bonfiglio,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
At the Ada County budget presentation, Koberg reminded people that even as river flow decreases, officials will be waiting on warmer temperatures and debris mitigation before the float season is underway.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Hummingbirds do not nest in cavities, choosing to build their tiny nests in trees and shrubs instead.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
-
The process begins with a femtosecond laser cutting GaN dielets from a wafer and drilling precise cavities into the diamond substrate.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Retailers face challenges from SNAP cuts and consumer fatigue, needing to demonstrate value as price drops will be delayed for months.—
Phil Lempert,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bucket of warm water.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Like the experimental teeth, the ones from Neanderthal archaeological sites had the same overlapping small fractures, shallow indentations, and shallow scratches.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 June 2026
-
Overnight, indentations in the tarmac had been filled with sand, to ease the passing of the royal carriages.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dents. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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