1
as in hole
a sunken area forming a separate space
there was a big dent in the car's hood where something had hit it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in decrease
the amount by which something is lessened
a little belt-tightening would at least make a small dent in our credit-card debt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to reduce
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
hopefully this vacation won't dent our bank account too much
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dent
Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025
But in the meantime, conservationists and biologists are doing their best to make a dent in the population.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 July 2025
Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Ukraine has previously used homemade drones to hit high-value military targets deep inside Russia, demonstrating its capabilities and denting Moscow’s confidence.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dent
Noun
Fare increases would, at best, only make a dent in responding to a $27 million budget cut.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025
But in the meantime, conservationists and biologists are doing their best to make a dent in the population.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 July 2025
Verb
London’s pride as a business hub has also been dented in recent years as homegrown firms have looked elsewhere to base themselves or expand, increasingly looking to IPO abroad or moving their primary listing away from the U.K.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Ukraine has previously used homemade drones to hit high-value military targets deep inside Russia, demonstrating its capabilities and denting Moscow’s confidence.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dent
Noun
-
Fans can take photos among immersive tableaus from the show, play a larger than life version of Alamo Pong — corn hole but with giant beer cans — and toss rings at Rhinestein’s cowboy boot toss.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 July 2025
-
Secure burn barrels: If burning is permitted in your area, ensure that all burn barrels have a weighted metal cover, complete with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
The Mortgage Bankers Association reported a 3.8% mortgage application decrease compared with one week ago.—
Jeff Lazerson,
Oc Register,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Iran has seen a more than 40% decrease in rainfall this year compared to the long-term average, and the Tehran Regional Water Company says dams that supply the capital are at about 21% of their capacity, according to Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
31 July 2025
Verb
-
Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
26 July 2025
-
Morning dopamine spikes from phone use reduce your motivation to pursue slower, more meaningful tasks later.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
One day after last year’s race, work began on a brand new pit building, which has been completed for our visit this year, as well as a new grandstand overlooking the main straight (below).—
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
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Soaring 18-foot vaulted ceilings and curving walls of floor-to-ceiling glazing will frame endless views over the water, while the outdoor spaces are outfitted with dual sunrise and sunset pools, summer kitchens, fire pits, cold plunges, and ample lounge areas for seamless indoor-outdoor living.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
The Bengals’ defensive changes should result in a marginal reduction in production, which moves Burrow just outside of the top three at his position.—
KC Joyner,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
-
In 2024, the company achieved a $7/barrel West Texas Intermediate (WTI) breakeven reduction, and its overall breakeven sits ~$45/barrel.—
David Trainer,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
These fibroids can be located on the surface of the uterus, in the wall of the uterus, or the uterine cavity.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
30 July 2025
-
Some methods, such as adding loose fill perlite inside the cavities in a CMU block wall, are inexpensive.—
Jamie Gold,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Noun
-
The local decline in veteran homelessness is part of a record-breaking drop across the U.S. since 2010, when the federal government began a focused effort to end homelessness among veterans.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
24 July 2025
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The sharpest drop comes from YouGov/CBS News polling conducted between July 16 and 18, which shows Trump's approval at just 42 percent, with 58 percent disapproving—a net rating of minus 16.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
These adjustment to scheduling, along with staffing changes and dining revenue declines, are impacting not just Jack Fry's, but the entire Louisville restaurant economy.—
Amanda Hancock,
The Courier-Journal,
26 July 2025
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The sales drop was led primarily by a 9% fall in North America and declines in Europe and Asia-Pacific.—
Karen Gilchrist,
CNBC,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dent. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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