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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dampen
The rise in interest rates and inflation could dampen the growth prospects of shale oil producers, particularly smaller companies that are highly sensitive to borrowing costs.
—
Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Rain is expected in the Kansas City area Thursday and could dampen the festivities surrounding the Royals’ home opener.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2025
The Trump administration’s interest in levying tariffs on many countries has dampened the stock market and softened Wall Street’s outlook for growth.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025
The current – hopefully temporary – dip in confidence has already dampened the dynamics of the ad market, prompting U.S. to revise our growth forecast for 2025.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Rain is expected in the Kansas City area Thursday and could dampen the festivities surrounding the Royals’ home opener.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2025
The Trump administration’s interest in levying tariffs on many countries has dampened the stock market and softened Wall Street’s outlook for growth.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025
The current – hopefully temporary – dip in confidence has already dampened the dynamics of the ad market, prompting U.S. to revise our growth forecast for 2025.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampen
Verb
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Besides water to moisten the mix, have a pan of water on hand that’s big enough to rinse your soil-blocker in occasionally, so it doesn’t get clogged.—
Margaret Roach Stacey Cramp,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2025
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Suck on Hard Candies Sucking on lozenges or hard candies can stimulate saliva production, which helps moisten and soothe the throat.8 Even better is sucking on candy containing real peppermint or honey. 7.—
Ann Pietrangelo,
Verywell Health,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Standardization can also reduce due diligence burdens.—
The Sorenson Impact Institute,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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Higher temperatures may also reduce the sugar content of maple sap, meaning producers will need to collect and boil more sap to produce the same quantities of syrup.—
Nina Foster,
JSTOR Daily,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Without them, distrust and disrespect undermine the actions.—
John S. Tobey,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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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
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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As time went on, her pain diminished, but August decided to go to the emergency room.—
Vanessa Etienne,
People.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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The VMAs, which have seen their social capital diminish over the past few years, delivered a promising ceremony in 2024.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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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
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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
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
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampen. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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