damp 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of dampnext
1
as in humid
containing or characterized by an uncomfortable amount of moisture the damp air made 85 degrees feel like 105

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2
as in moist
slightly or moderately wet marks can usually be removed with a damp cloth

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damp

2 of 3

noun

ˈdamp How to pronounce damp (audio)
as in moisture
the amount of water suspended in the air in tiny droplets we bought a dehumidifier for the basement when the damp down there began causing mold to grow

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damp

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to drain
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality refused to let the setbacks damp his drive for success

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2
as in to wet
to make or become slightly or moderately wet damp the shirt slightly before ironing it

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3
as in to dull
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling nothing seemed to damp the unwelcome attentions of her suitor

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word damp distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of damp are dank, humid, moist, and wet. While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," 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 would dank be a good substitute for damp?

In some situations, the words dank and damp are roughly equivalent. However, dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness.

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

When could humid be used to replace damp?

While the synonyms humid and damp are close in meaning, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

When can moist be used instead of damp?

The meanings of moist and damp largely overlap; however, moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

When is wet a more appropriate choice than damp?

The synonyms wet and damp are sometimes interchangeable, 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 damp
Adjective
The damp night air was something. —Literary Hub, 15 May 2026 Fill a bowl with water and detergent and swirl the brushes through it like a paintbrush, or place a small amount of detergent in your palm and work the damp brush into it. —Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
Noun
Bacteria from your mouth can also multiply to dangerous levels inside of them and their damp, dark interiors can harbor mold growth. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 My apartment had turned into a high-stakes obstacle course where my expensive area rugs were constantly being held hostage by my damp, dirty mop pad. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
Shower Curtain, Liner, and Hooks The bottom hem of a shower liner stays damp essentially all the time, which is why mildew always starts there and works its way up. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026 Keep your region in mind as well, since these plants can do well in cold and damp winters. —Jane Kim, The Spruce, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for damp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damp
  1. humid
  2. moist
  3. moisture
  4. drain
  5. wet
  6. dull
  7. humidity
  8. undermine
Adjective
  • Once the storms exit the area, cooler temperatures and less humid weather are expected Tuesday through Thursday, with afternoon temperatures in the mid- to upper 60s, according to the weather service.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
  • My key to surviving hot, humid summer weather is skorts.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2026
Definition of humid
Adjective
  • Instead, they are drawn to moist wood that’s already prone to rot.
    — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2026
  • The moist, high-energy formation promotes storm development.
    — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
Definition of moist
Noun
  • Though signals may overlap (compaction, moisture, and disturbance, after all, can exist all at once), the presence of particular weeds, without overanalyzing them, can lend helpful clues to what your desirable garden plants need done in order to thrive.
    — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
  • Let products fully absorb, then dress in soft, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to reduce friction.
    — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 18 May 2026
Definition of moisture
Verb
  • Mitchell did not miss a shot in the quarter, draining all three of her 3-point tries as well as a step-back jumper.
    — John Davis, Daily News, 14 May 2026
  • Even with so many suspects, Janet's brother, Francesco Caltieri, remembers hope draining away in his family's household.
    — Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Definition of drain
Verb
  • This one hails from Memphis and excludes a sauce altogether — although feel free to wet your ribs with whatever sauce tickles your fancy.
    — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
  • Avoid wetting foliage when watering plants or water in the morning if using overhead sprinklers to help minimize foliar disease.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
Definition of wet
Verb
  • Scrutinizing his military background feels like the only way to dull the edge of this razor-sharp politician.
    — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2026
  • Absent the friction of putting thoughts into language, thinking dulls.
    — Jamil Zaki, CNBC, 12 May 2026
Definition of dull
Noun
  • Despite my massive appreciation for the season, spring has a major drawback in my book—higher temperatures and humidity.
    — Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2026
  • The National Weather Service said north winds could gust to 50 mph and humidity could drop as low as 7%, creating conditions that could rapidly spread wildfires through Monday evening.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2026
Definition of humidity
Verb
  • Future decisions embracing those limits could further undermine the landmark voting law, long considered the crown jewel of the civil rights movement, and hamper the ability of voting rights groups and individual voters to file lawsuits alleging violations of the measure.
    — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 18 May 2026
  • Sandweg said one of the director's most underappreciated responsibilities is managing that internal fault line, ensuring that ERO's highly visible arrest operations do not undermine HSI's ability to cultivate the confidential informants and foreign partnerships on which its work depends.
    — Philip Wang, Time, 18 May 2026
Definition of undermine

Browse Nearby Words

damn well
damp
damped
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Cite this Entry

“Damp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damp. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on damp

Nglish: Translation of damp for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about damp

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