Synonym Chooser

How is the word humid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of humid are damp, dank, moist, and wet. While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

When is it sensible to use damp instead of humid?

While the synonyms damp and humid are close in meaning, damp implies a slight or moderate absorption and often connotes an unpleasant degree of moisture.

clothes will mildew if stored in a damp place

When would dank be a good substitute for humid?

In some situations, the words dank and humid are roughly equivalent. However, dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness.

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

In what contexts can moist take the place of humid?

The synonyms moist and humid are sometimes interchangeable, but moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

Where would wet be a reasonable alternative to humid?

The meanings of wet and humid largely overlap; however, wet usually implies saturation but may suggest a covering of a surface with water or something (such as paint) not yet dry.

slipped on the wet pavement

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 humid Chiefs players spent training camp laboring at hot, humid Missouri Western State University. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 Also found at the site were some bony fish scales and teeth and incomplete plesiosaurian teeth, indicating a humid climate and complex ecosystem, according to the paper. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2025 On a humid afternoon in late July, McKenzie went on a patrol of Englewood with a small group of members, most ranging in age from 16 years old to their early 20s. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025 These weeks can require different hydration demands, especially when performing in hot and humid conditions. Micah Ling, Outside, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humid
Adjective
  • Soil samples should be slightly damp to dry, not completely wet.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Finish by wiping down the upholstery with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any soapy residue.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The tariffs also look to have driven up sticky inflation, with Trump pressuring Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to cut rates, in great part to get the housing market moving again.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Soap/Shampoo Residue While soap and shampoo don't create dust themselves, their residue creates the perfect sticky place for dust particles to attach to.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While summers are notoriously muggy and spring is crowded with cherry blossom–seeking tourists, the fall has always been my favorite time of year to get outside in the District, especially as the leaves start to turn fiery gold.
    Kathleen Rellihan, Outside, 26 Aug. 2025
  • The sweltering heat and muggy weather did not stop thousands of people from attending Green Street’s grand opening last weekend in downtown Lee’s Summit.
    Eden Dinneen, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humid. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on humid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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