damp 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of dampnext
1
as in humid
containing or characterized by an uncomfortable amount of moisture the damp air made 85 degrees feel like 105

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2
as in moist
slightly or moderately wet marks can usually be removed with a damp cloth

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damp

2 of 3

noun

ˈdamp How to pronounce damp (audio)
as in moisture
the amount of water suspended in the air in tiny droplets we bought a dehumidifier for the basement when the damp down there began causing mold to grow

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damp

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to drain
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality refused to let the setbacks damp his drive for success

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2
as in to wet
to make or become slightly or moderately wet damp the shirt slightly before ironing it

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3
as in to dull
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling nothing seemed to damp the unwelcome attentions of her suitor

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word damp distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of damp are dank, humid, moist, and wet. While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," 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 damp?

In some situations, the words dank and damp are roughly equivalent. However, dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness.

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

When could humid be used to replace damp?

While the synonyms humid and damp are close in meaning, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

When can moist be used instead of damp?

The meanings of moist and damp largely overlap; however, moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

When is wet a more appropriate choice than damp?

The synonyms wet and damp are sometimes interchangeable, 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 damp
Adjective
Think of Alpha Centauri as a wet dog after a long muddy walk, shaking off a damp spray of dirt, mud, water, and even tiny pebbles. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 5 Mar. 2025 After exfoliating the scalp (two or three times a week, via a scalp scrub or brush) and shampooing, spray the product on damp or dry hair at the root, proceeding in sections. —Alice Nardiotti, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
Keep It Cozy Basements often have practical finishes like cement and tile to help ward off the damp, but that doesn't mean your lower level needs to feel like a utility room. —Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023 Issues such as mold and damp can lead to respiratory problems and headaches. —WIRED, 27 June 2023
Verb
That means a peace lily does best when its soil is consistently damp soil. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2025 Other Christmas Cactus Care Tips Other than keeping the soil consistently damp and watering on schedule, here are a few other tips to keep in mind when caring for a Christmas cactus to ensure healthy, proper, flourishing growth! —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for damp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damp
  1. humid
  2. moist
  3. moisture
  4. drain
  5. wet
  6. dull
  7. humidity
  8. undermine
Adjective
  • And while the chanting undoubtedly helped, Velten’s water-pouring prowess also contributed: slow and steady, to keep the steam soft and humid.
    — Chris Schalkx, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Feel the mossy, sometimes humid air, and the sea breeze swept from the Beaufort bay. Shop and stroll After a slow breakfast at the inn, head back out for some sightseeing on foot.
    — Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of humid
Adjective
  • Much like our beloved Hummingbird Cake, the pineapple helps keep the cake moist.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Native to the tropical forests of Africa, these beetles inhabit regions where moist, decaying wood and rich leaf litter form the backbone of their lifecycle.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of moist
Noun
  • Toners with glycerin or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) help to retain moisture, which in turn helps restore pH to normal levels.
    — Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, shea butter creates a seal over the skin barrier to trap moisture.
    — Deanna Pai, Allure, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of moisture
Verb
  • Without Caitlin Clark draining 3-pointers from the logo, or an undefeated South Carolina trying to remain perfect, there is no nationally captivating figure that commands the audience.
    — Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The iOS app optimized can over 12 hours a day without draining the battery, TwinMind says.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of drain
Verb
  • Shivering in Cassidy’s arms, tears wetting her cheeks, naked, so vulnerable.
    — Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The weather will transition from sunny to wet from March 20 to March 31, that first week, with temperatures staying on the cooler side, the Old Farmer’s Almanac forecast said.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of wet
Verb
  • And a charming atmosphere, reinforced by a warm visual language (Marc Spicer serves as DP), dulls the creepiness of those early drops.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Contrast this with summer, where vacation mode dulls urgency, or winter, where holiday fatigue and short days can sap enthusiasm, spring hits a psychological sweet spot.
    — Jack Kelly, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of dull
Noun
  • Residents can expect winds to be southwest at 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph and humidity as low as 20 percent.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The National Weather Service has also issued a red flag warning for much of the state on Friday, which means that a combination of low humidity, warm temperatures and strong winds in the area has formed critical fire weather conditions.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of humidity
Verb
  • This approach would hide the true impact on taxpayers, undermine Senate rules against increasing deficits, and further harm the U.S. fiscal position.
    — Doug Criscitello, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Make no mistake—undermining our basic freedoms and pulling funding from schools will not address the real problem of antisemitism and will certainly not help students receive an education.
    — Maggie Siddiqi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of undermine

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Cite this Entry

“Damp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damp. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on damp

Nglish: Translation of damp for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about damp

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