Synonym Chooser

How is the word moist distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of moist are damp, dank, humid, and wet. While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

When might damp be a better fit than moist?

The words damp and moist are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use dank instead of moist?

The meanings of dank and moist largely overlap; however, dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness.

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

Where would humid be a reasonable alternative to moist?

Although the words humid and moist have much in common, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

When can wet be used instead of moist?

The words wet and moist can be used in similar contexts, but 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 moist After cleansing, my skin feels moist but not sticky. Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 24 Sep. 2025 To-go boxes, chopsticks, napkins and moist towelettes are all emblazoned with the SYC logo. Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2025 Spring and early fall often bring the strongest storms, when warm, moist Gulf air collides with cooler systems sweeping in from the Plains. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025 Mucous membranes—also called mucosa—are the moist tissue that line openings into the body, and are present in the nose, mouth, ears and eyes. Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for moist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moist
damp
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Florida and parts of the Southeast and Gulf Coast will see a mostly soggy, damp weekend.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Use a damp cloth to wipe everything down, starting from the tops of door frames and working your way down from there.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Moist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moist. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on moist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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