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moistening

verb

present participle of moisten
as in wetting
to make or become slightly or moderately wet moisten the cloth before cleaning with it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 moistening The next several days will see a cooling and moistening trend in both the Bay Area and Central Coast; temperatures are expected to be well below seasonal averages. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 For this, Langelo recommends moistening the soil to make the weeds easier to pull. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 26 Apr. 2026 Each watering session should deliver about 1/2 inch of water, moistening the soil to a depth of about 6 inches to support healthy root development. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026 For indoor growers, Karsch recommends moistening your seed starting mix well before filling trays or small pots and planting, then keeping it moist with a spray bottle or mister. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 6 Apr. 2026 Your nose is better at warming and moistening the cold, dry air than your mouth. — Susan Russell, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moistening
  1. wetting
  2. rinsing
  3. flushing
  4. damping
  5. washing
  6. dampening
Verb
  • Havenith said deliberately wetting clothing can provide evaporative cooling, including for older adults who may not sweat as effectively.
    — Aya Diab, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • For best results, water deeply at the base of the plant, allowing moisture to soak into the root zone rather than wetting the foliage, says Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of wetting
Verb
  • The gentle, foaming elixir feels soft on skin, rinsing away dirt and makeup while hydrating and coddling with flaxseed oil.
    — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Prepare the sprouts for storage by rinsing and draining the sprouts thoroughly, then laying them out on a dish towel to dry for an hour or so.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of rinsing
Verb
  • This has a walk-in shower, a vanity sink, and a composting toilet (the toilet can also be a standard flushing unit if the owner prefers).
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Mild stinging, dryness, irritation, flushing or increased skin warmth are the most common side effects.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of flushing
Verb
  • Bimota retunes the Balance Free Fork with a low spring rate, firmer compression damping, and softer rebound, while the rear damper can adjust up to 30 millimeters with an eccentric bolt.
    — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The resulting structures can gain useful properties including vibration damping or thermal regulation, but filling the external cells removes the very openness that made the lattice interesting in the first place.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of damping
Verb
  • Reacher stumbles out into the street and collapses, sheets of rain washing the blood from his mighty frame.
    — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Folding small clothes; washing little faces; sunscreen; a million snacks.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of washing
Verb
  • There's no hybrid system assisting the engine, no all-wheel-drive, no parking sensors, and no sound dampening materials.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2026
  • However, El Niño and marine heat waves can change the timing or force of the winds, potentially dampening coastal upwelling and reducing the availability of food for sea life along the coast.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of dampening

Browse Nearby Words

moistened
moistening
moistens
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Cite this Entry

“Moistening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moistening. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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