1
as in undermining
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality
refused to let the setbacks damp his drive for success
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wetting
to make or become slightly or moderately wet
damp the shirt slightly before ironing it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reducing
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
nothing seemed to damp the unwelcome attentions of her suitor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 damping
There is quite a bit of variability to Theon’s tuning and performance, from suspension damping and ride height to wheel/tire combinations and of course engine tunes.
—
Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 4 Feb. 2026
By controlling whether tiny internal cells are solid or liquid, the blocks can change stiffness, damping, and movement without altering their overall shape.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Feb. 2026
Improper conditions can lead to damping off disease, a fungal disease that quickly kills seedlings.
—Kerry Michaels, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026
These coverings should be removed once seedlings sprout to prevent fungal diseases like damping off.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Suspension duties come courtesy of a Marzocchi setup that takes care of compression and rebound damping separately at both front and rear.
—New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2025
By adding Titanal to its lightweight build, Head gave the Kore more stability and damping without losing its playful, easygoing feel.
—Outside, 21 Oct. 2025
Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 4 Feb. 2026
By controlling whether tiny internal cells are solid or liquid, the blocks can change stiffness, damping, and movement without altering their overall shape.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Feb. 2026
Improper conditions can lead to damping off disease, a fungal disease that quickly kills seedlings.
—Kerry Michaels, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026
These coverings should be removed once seedlings sprout to prevent fungal diseases like damping off.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Suspension duties come courtesy of a Marzocchi setup that takes care of compression and rebound damping separately at both front and rear.
—New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2025
By adding Titanal to its lightweight build, Head gave the Kore more stability and damping without losing its playful, easygoing feel.
—Outside, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damping
Verb
-
Broad political characterizations oversimplify complex legal processes and risk undermining confidence in an independent judiciary.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Adding Medicaid work-reporting requirements to this already fragile balancing act risks undermining the system that makes aging in the community possible.—
Emily D. Tisdale,
STAT,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
To water from the top, pour water over the soil, avoiding wetting the leaves.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
-
After years without accidents, Maria started wetting her pants and her bed.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The system responded within milliseconds, fast enough to support real-time reactions such as pulling away from harmful contact or reducing applied force during interaction.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Republicans argued the bill would accomplish little in the way of reducing rates and would demonize utility executives.—
Christine Condon,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But the big problem is why the dollar is weakening.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Nevertheless, proponents of the theory have suggested without evidence that the substation’s electromagnetic fields could be damaging players’ soft tissues and weakening their tendons.—
Aria Bendix,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
However many locals have failed to catch Olympic fever with high ticket prices and fears about traffic, security measures and crowded Metro trains dampening enthusiasm.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Saturn leaving Pisces on February 13 lifts the heavy blanket of sorrow and exhaustion that’s been dampening your life force for the last three years, freeing you to unthaw a bit from the winter of your discontent.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Both nationally and in Minnesota , there has been a shift away from intelligent discussion of public policy to endless partisan warfare with a deadening impact on the public.—
Arne Carlson,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Now, Sora 2 might just be another online fad, a reality-deadening distraction that people will soon tire of.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But the storks suffered when developers and agriculture operations began the ditching and draining that eventually compromised some 35% of South Florida's wetlands, where the majority of the birds nested.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Use a rich, well-draining, loamy soil mix rich in organic matter.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Your nose is better at warming and moistening the cold, dry air than your mouth.—
Susan Russell,
Verywell Health,
23 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Damping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damping. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
