Synonyms of moist

moist

adjective

ˈmȯist 

as in damp

slightly or moderately wet

luckily, my new suede shoes are only a bit moist after I accidentally wore them in the rain

Synonyms & Similar Words

• damp
• humid
• dank
• dampish
• dripping
• soaked
• soaking
• wettish
• dewy
• steeped
• misty
• saturated
• clammy
• sticky
• soggy
• washed
• muggy
• tropical
• watered
• waterlogged
• sodden
• drenched
• bathed
• sweltering
• sopping
• semimoist
• summery
• sultry
• torrid
• water-soaked
• saturate
• awash
• soppy
• doused
• soused

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dry
• arid
• waterless
• dehydrated
• baked
• droughty
• dusty
• burned
• scorched
• bone-dry
• parched
• desert
• sunbaked
• sere
• seared
• watertight
• waterproof
• water-resistant
• hyperarid
• ultradry
• water-repellent

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

Recent Examples of moist

One large egg binds with the breadcrumbs and ensures that the meatballs remain moist and tender. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 22 Jan. 2026

In general, African violets should be watered about once a week to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, but these plants may need less water in winter. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2026

In Kentucky, springtails can be found in moist environments, both indoors and outdoors. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Jan. 2026

Tule fog becomes especially dense when moist marine air, calm winds and clear skies come together. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 22 Jan. 2026