dampen

verb

ˈdam-pən How to pronounce dampen (audio)
Definition of dampennext
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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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 dampen The controversy surrounding King dampens the excitement over Blue Origin’s announcement on March 27 that King — along with Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyễn, Katy Perry, Kerianne Flynn and Lauren Sánchez — will be onboard the space company’s 11th human flight, the NS-31. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025 But in 1986, the Chernobyl disaster about 270 miles northwest — the largest nuclear accident in world history — dampened Moscow’s enthusiasm for Ukrainian uranium. — Oleksandra Mykolyshyn, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025 The leaks didn’t seem to dampen turnout, however. — Brent Lang, Variety, 5 Apr. 2025 But that doesn’t dampen the legacy that Teonna will go on to create. — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dampen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampen
  1. moisten
  2. reduce
  3. undermine
  4. damp
  5. diminish
  6. weaken
  7. wet
  8. deaden
Verb
  • Stir in the warm water until mixture is moistened.
    — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Each wipe comes well-moistened, and gently removed a full-face of product, from foundation to waterproof mascara.
    — Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of moisten
Verb
  • Their xG per shot has risen and the average distance from goal per shot has reduced.
    — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Standardization can also reduce due diligence burdens.
    — The Sorenson Impact Institute, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • Without them, distrust and disrespect undermine the actions.
    — John S. Tobey, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The liberation of the leaves will undermine the black-market trade and reduce deforestation by freeing for cultivation lands long ago cleared and abandoned.
    — Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of undermine
Verb
  • Apply the gel to dry or damp skin and go in with a silicone cleansing brush to gently lift away impurities.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Limiting time outside on humid or rainy days Removing damp debris and leaves Showering after being outside Using saline sprays or rinses after outdoor exposure Wearing a mask, gloves, eye protection, or a hair covering outside 3.
    — Jurairat J. Molina, Verywell Health, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of damp
Verb
  • Winds will shift to the northwest behind the front this evening, although speeds will also begin to diminish.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2025
  • The process of identifying specific countries to be assigned a new tariff rate has grown more targeted in recent days and the threat of immediate sectoral tariffs has diminished, Bloomberg reported over the weekend.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • But that progress stalled out around the turn of the year, which weakened the case for further rate cuts and ultimately prompted the Fed to stand pat in January.
    — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025
  • More broadly, consumer sentiment has declined and retail sales growth has weakened, reflecting the uncertainty of customers over where the economy is headed.
    — Harry Holzer, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of weaken
Verb
  • Han recommends wetting a beauty sponge to add extra coverage to smaller areas of concern, including your hairline and around your nose.
    — Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Austin threatened McMahon with a toy gun, leading to a memorable moment at the expense of McMahon wetting himself.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of wet
Verb
  • By studying the images, engineers can confirm and enhance the sonic-boom-deadening properties for the XB-1's airframe.
    — David Szondy, New Atlas, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Lightweight glass, a reduction of sound-deadening materials, and the marginally lighter 6-speed manual gearbox help the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T Cabriolet weigh 3,505 pounds—the company's lightest manual open-roof variant.
    — Michael Harley, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of deaden

Browse Nearby Words

damped
dampen
dampened
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Cite this Entry

“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampen. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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