Synonym Chooser

How is the word dank distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dank are damp, humid, moist, and wet. While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness.

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

In what contexts can damp take the place of dank?

In some situations, the words damp and dank are roughly equivalent. However, 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 humid a more appropriate choice than dank?

The words humid and dank are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

Where would moist be a reasonable alternative to dank?

The words moist and dank can be used in similar contexts, but moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

When can wet be used instead of dank?

The meanings of wet and dank largely overlap; however, 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 dank Image The official White House account is rife with boasting and taunting posts, many drawing on meme formats from the dank corners of the internet. James Poniewozik, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025 In Ghana’s capital, follow a visit to a castle where captives waiting to be taken to the New World were held in dank dungeons with a trip to the Black Star of Africa sitting atop an arch, announcing Ghana’s independence. Gerald Narciso Jeremie Souteyrat, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 For one, the hair dye solution was so slippery and hard to control, women were using rags instead of towels and dank basement sinks to dye their hair in order to avoid making a mess in their own bathrooms. Esther K. Choy, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024 Five people could comfortably fit — and there were 43 of us crammed in a dank hole. Lea Lane, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for dank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dank
Adjective
  • Thanks to its protective lacquer finish, the bar cart is resistant to water, rust, mold, and UV rays, plus the shelves are a breeze to clean with a damp cloth.
    Bridget Degnan, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2025
  • The damp, windy weather could also hinder travel on the road or at the region’s busy airports.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Clethra can be planted in consistently moist soil in Zones 3 to 9.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 2025
  • Put together a basic emergency kit, with water and shelf stable foods for up to a week, flash lights, back up batteries, a first aid kit and moist towelettes.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dank. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dank

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