1
as in to moisten
to make or become slightly or moderately wet
dampen a paper towel with water and use it to clean up the mess
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reduce
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
the oppressive heat dampened our spirits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to undermine
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality
nothing could dampen their enthusiasm
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dampen
While Riverside had by far the worst debt-to-income ratio at 251 percent, Miami saw housing costs dampen finances.
—
Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave, and dampen a clean cloth in the water.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
Independence Day spirits were not dampened after a lightning strike prematurely set off the city of Sanford, Florida's fireworks display.
—Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
Whether Trump’s raft of tariffs—delayed until Aug. 1—will dampen consumer confidence later this year.
—Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave, and dampen a clean cloth in the water.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
Independence Day spirits were not dampened after a lightning strike prematurely set off the city of Sanford, Florida's fireworks display.
—Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
Whether Trump’s raft of tariffs—delayed until Aug. 1—will dampen consumer confidence later this year.
—Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampen
Verb
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Usually a half to three-quarter inch of water is all that is needed each time the sod is moistened.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 June 2025
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The roll is more sponge than vessel, soaking up just enough au jus to moisten the sandwich without capitulating to the broth completely.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2025
Verb
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Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
26 July 2025
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Studies have shown that matcha can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.—
Michiko Tomioka,
CNBC,
26 July 2025
Verb
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Avoid Common Mistakes Despite the benefits of catch-up contributions, many individuals make avoidable errors that undermine their effectiveness.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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The firing of a career public servant, lawfully appointed by the court, is another blatant attempt to intimidate anyone that doesn't agree with them and undermine judicial independence.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
Verb
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How to Apply: Apply to damp hair post-shower, evenly working through hair from roots to ends.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
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Another option is to place old tiles or damp cardboard near plants showing pest damage, and then check under these coverings once a day.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
20 July 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
20 July 2025
Verb
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This weakens their ability to educate, create, and grow.—
Miguel Cardona,
Time,
21 July 2025
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This could help verify recent findings from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) that suggest this strange force is actually weakening over time.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
20 July 2025
Verb
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Traditional evaporators don’t work well in wet weather, but this new material stands up much better to wetting and drying, just like the rainforest birds that inspired it.—
Ian Rose,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 June 2025
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Use a garden hose or power washer to thoroughly wet the rug.—
Karen Grossman,
Southern Living,
24 June 2025
Verb
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Repeatedly returning to themes of globalization and alienation, the 55-year-old director has meticulously chronicled his country’s uneasy plunge into the 21st century as rampant industrialization risks deadening those left behind.—
Tim Grierson,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2025
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By Richard Assheton Read On Little Britain The Breakfast Clubs America’s morning television brightens the day but deadens the soul.—
airmail.news,
airmail.news,
5 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampen. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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