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
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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
And while tariffs and an immigration crackdown could dampen growth, Trump’s tax cuts and deregulation could boost activity.
—
Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
But that experience isn’t dampening my excitement for the new 7-inch Ayaneo 3.
—Sean Hollister, The Verge, 24 Jan. 2025
Storm clouds have been hanging over this Wolves team all season long, dampening the spirits of a group that expected to contend for a title.
—Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Image Image January and February are normally the calmest months for the Air Operations Section, a time when winter rains have dampened the risk of fire.
—Thomas Fuller, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for dampen 
Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
But that experience isn’t dampening my excitement for the new 7-inch Ayaneo 3.
—Sean Hollister, The Verge, 24 Jan. 2025
Storm clouds have been hanging over this Wolves team all season long, dampening the spirits of a group that expected to contend for a title.
—Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Image Image January and February are normally the calmest months for the Air Operations Section, a time when winter rains have dampened the risk of fire.
—Thomas Fuller, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for dampen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampen
Verb
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Add just enough buttermilk to moisten the flour mixture.—
Elizabeth Karmel,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
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Rinse your mouth with a mixture of one-half teaspoon (3 grams) of salt in 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water to reduce pain and moisten your mouth.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Trump, who took office on January 20, campaigned heavily on the economy, vowing to reduce inflation and impose tariffs on some of the country's closest trading partners like Mexico and Canada, citing concerns over drugs, immigration, and trade deficits.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
8 Feb. 2025
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Removing too may fronds reduces the vigor of the palm, as these portions manufacture nutrients needed to grow and remain healthy.—
Tom MacCubbin,
Orlando Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The policy ordered by President Trump undermines that goal by mandating a categorical rule that overrides the discretion of prison officials.—
Anders Fogh Rasmussen,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
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Second, buying services from SpaceX undermines European space businesses.—
Eric Berger,
Ars Technica,
4 Feb. 2025
Verb
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And there are no vaccines to prevent it, although reducing exposure to damp soil and decaying wood can lower risk.—
Denise Crosby,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2025
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This normally reclusive species of spider is found across Europe in dark and damp habitats.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
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And so my part was always diminished in his presence.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
2 Feb. 2025
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However, as time progresses, intimacy can diminish, leading to a sense of disconnection.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
1 Feb. 2025
Verb
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While, on paper, tariffs on Canadian energy could have a significant impact on fuel prices, a prolonged trade war could weaken global economies, reducing demand and partially offsetting the effects of tariffs.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
3 Feb. 2025
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China's offshore yuan weakened to a record low of 7.3765, while the dollar touched a more than 20-year high against its Canadian counterpart.—
Suzanne McGee and Isla Binnie,
USA TODAY,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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This keeps the plant roots wet longer and can lead to the formation of fungal diseases and root rot.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
24 Jan. 2025
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Movies like High Tension (2003) and Martyrs (2008) would have even Eli Roth wetting his knickers, and Inside is no exception.—
Huntley Woods,
EW.com,
19 Dec. 2024
Verb
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America’s morning television brightens the day but deadens the soul.—
Joel Golby,
airmail.news,
5 Oct. 2024
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One way of deadening the mind to distractions is by blowing opponents off the court.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes,
5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near dampen
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampen. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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