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
Ty Oneil,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
Even stainless steel pans can sometimes get big dents or other damage.
—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
26 June 2026
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
25 June 2026
Cocoa farmers in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, which provide more than half the world’s cocoa, are likely to see drought conditions dent outputs and drive global prices.
—
Jenny Vaughan,
semafor.com,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dent
Noun
Firefighters grapple with more wind Helicopters took to the skies hoping to put a dent in the Cottonwood fire before afternoon winds kicked up again and grounded them.
—
Ty Oneil,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
Even stainless steel pans can sometimes get big dents or other damage.
—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
26 June 2026
Verb
The authority also projected that the devastating earthquake could dent Venezuela's GDP by up to 7%.
—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
25 June 2026
Cocoa farmers in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, which provide more than half the world’s cocoa, are likely to see drought conditions dent outputs and drive global prices.
—
Jenny Vaughan,
semafor.com,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dent
Noun
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The crash also resulted in a large hole in the side of the vessel.
-
The piece has seven holes for customization, and it’s designed to be worn at the hips or waist.
Noun
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Despite the criticism Williams has received for her hiring practices, Beasley-Pittman noted a decrease in the city’s personnel budget growth.
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Yet, if investments in digital defense hit record highs every year, why doesn't corporate vulnerability decrease?
Verb
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New flyover ramps connecting to I-95 would also be built, while sound barriers would be installed along both sides of the corridor to help reduce traffic noise for nearby residents.
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The rich treatment balances strengthening plant proteins with nourishing rosehip and sweet almond oils to reduce breakage and replenish moisture.
Noun
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One of the most pit-dropping experiences is getting to your destination after a long-haul flight and not being able to use or charge any of your devices—something flight attendants can’t risk as people who consistently travel abroad.
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The spirit was fermented in earthen pits and distilled, a process that took a year across eight fermentations and seven distillations.
Noun
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In Cañon City, Colorado, authorities are aiming for a 20% to 30% reduction in water use while asking residents to voluntarily conserve outdoor water consumption.
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Voltage reductions were also happening earlier in the day in parts of Staten Island, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Westchester, Con Edison spokesperson Jamie McShane told CNN.
Noun
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The pair were pushed into the body wherever swelling threatened a patient’s health, or exploration of an inner cavity was warranted.
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Other signals worth flagging to a dentist include bleeding or tender gums during brushing or flossing, frequent canker sores, an unusually dry mouth and a rising rate of new cavities despite consistent hygiene.
Noun
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The patriotic ball drop is scheduled to air at midnight ET on CNN as July 3 turns into July 4 in Times Square.
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Tesla’s results – which came in above expectations – indicate the company may be recovering after two straight years of annual sales drops and the removal EV tax credits in the US, which has lowered the incentive for prospective American buyers.
Noun
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Surveys showing a decline in Americans who see democracy as important.
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This decision stems from chronic staffing shortages, crumbling infrastructure, budget constraints, and a substantial decline in the federal inmate population, which peaked in 2013 and has since fallen by nearly 30%.
Cite this Entry
“Dent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dent. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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