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 The white cloth provides cover from the sun but also creates more humid conditions underneath it — similar to Sumatra. Dave Altimari, Hartford Courant, 11 Aug. 2025 National Weather Service officials warned conditions will be uncomfortable and humid Saturday with the heat index peaking to 100 degrees. Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025 Weather: Partly sunny and humid with a thunderstorm in spots this afternoon. Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025 Hot, humid weather returns to Kansas City’s forecast Near-seasonal temperatures are expected in the metro on Wednesday, reaching 91 degrees in the afternoon. Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humid
Adjective
  • Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe off the paste, using gentle pressure and scrubbing.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Flyer gone damp in his hand, creases shredding how cut cotton would.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite skyrocketing prices for TV rights from name-brand sports leagues, even smaller streaming services know their future will be driven in part by that particularly sticky tune-in driver for audiences.
    David Bloom, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • For dried or sticky grease, Marshall suggests switching to dish soap diluted in water and rubbing gently with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Generally, during the summer months, dew points have to climb between 55 and 65 degrees before the weather feels sticky and muggy, according to the weather service.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025
  • Like the rest of the state, winters there are bitterly cold, summers are hot, muggy, and buggy.
    Paddy O'Connell, Outside Online, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Humid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humid. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on humid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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