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
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
Smooth Dents and Remove Stains from Wood Wooden floors and tables can be extremely prone to dents, nicks, and stains, but an iron can be a surprisingly effective way to clear off water stains and smooth out dents.
—Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 23 Apr. 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
Protective bumpers on the front and back help guard against scratches and dents, while four smooth-rolling wheels keep things moving effortlessly through crowded terminals.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026
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
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
Smooth Dents and Remove Stains from Wood Wooden floors and tables can be extremely prone to dents, nicks, and stains, but an iron can be a surprisingly effective way to clear off water stains and smooth out dents.
—Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 23 Apr. 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
Protective bumpers on the front and back help guard against scratches and dents, while four smooth-rolling wheels keep things moving effortlessly through crowded terminals.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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
-
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
-
Among the products highlighted during the earnings call were popular Kirkland Signature items that received noticeable price reductions.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
The future demands a neutral, interoperable and intelligent global trade infrastructure that reduces friction, expands inclusion and restores trust across borders.—
Meelan Gupta,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
The firm argued that eliminating cooling equipment reduces both upfront costs and operational complexity.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Gas and propane fire pits are a better investment than fire pits that burn solid fuel.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
10 June 2026
-
The building will have three, central, connected courtyards with outdoor seating, a swimming pool, fire pits and barbecues.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 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
-
In reaction to pay decreases and general concerns around the cost of living, SEIU Local 1000 has sought legislative and contract relief in the form of a 20% wage increase from 2026 to 2028.—
Evelyn Ronan,
Sacbee.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Robins Robins don't nest in cavities, preferring to make their homes on horizontal branches or flat surfaces like ledges and eaves.—
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
-
The stunt took place just yards from the waterfalls, where fast-moving water rushes toward steep drops.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
11 June 2026
-
Combine 2 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of liquid soap, 10 drops of peppermint oil, and 10 drops of garlic extract in a spray bottle and shake well.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Smaller prints, some just an inch or two long, show tiny animals trotting or darting across the mud, while mid-sized carnivores left their three-toed marks complete with claw indentations.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
3 Dec. 2025
-
Mabel is able to shade in the adjacent page to read the pencil indentations, which at first seems to be just more notes on birds.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dents. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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