MOIST Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

moist

adjective

ˈmȯist

Definition of moist next

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

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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

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 moist Steak’s natural levels of fat and protein provide a lubricating or moist feeling in the mouth. —

Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2025 For years, these parental plants offer cool, moist microhabitats to nurture the vulnerable saguaro seedlings. —

Hazlitt, 5 Mar. 2025 The meat is moist and delicious enough to pile high on a bun or enjoy on a plate of eggs or potatoes. —

Jolene Thym, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025 The assignment may seem simple enough, but even minor slip-ups, like then-Sen. Marco Rubio pausing to drink from a water bottle in 2013 or Rep. Joe Kennedy exhibiting an unusually moist upper lip in 2018, can instantly become the subject of political jokes. —

Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for moist

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moiré

moist

moisten

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“Moist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moist. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Last Updated: 22 Mar 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of moist

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Synonyms of moist

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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