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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dent
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Still, a suspension isn't likely to make a sizeable (or instant) dent at the pump.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
Caroline Lillian Schopp, Artforum, 13 May 2026
Which is harder — landing a human on the moon or hitting a home run that dents the top of a foul pole in a major-league game?
—Jayson Stark, New York Times, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dent
Noun
In 2024, for instance, NASA shared an image of the abuse one of Curiosity's wheels withstood on Mars, including dents and holes.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Still, a suspension isn't likely to make a sizeable (or instant) dent at the pump.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
Verb
As the bodies dent the reflective metal surfaces, the sheets release piercing echoes.
—Caroline Lillian Schopp, Artforum, 13 May 2026
Which is harder — landing a human on the moon or hitting a home run that dents the top of a foul pole in a major-league game?
—Jayson Stark, New York Times, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dent
Noun
-
Rai closed in commanding fashion, playing his final 10 holes in six-under par without a blemish on the scorecard en route to a closing 65 and a three-shot victory at nine-under overall.—
Jeff Goudy,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
-
Some birds also will poke holes in the ground looking for tasty critters.—
Joan Morris,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Consumption has been linked to decreases in all-cause mortality.—
Christina Manian,
Health,
14 May 2026
-
But drug harm reduction advocates and researchers say shifts in the drug supply and changes in drug use are the major contributors to the decrease in deaths.—
Ana Goñi-Lessan,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Eco effort The hotel employs single-stream recycling and green housekeeping practices, and also has a green roof ecosystem to reduce the building’s heat load.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
-
New research suggests these medications, best known for managing diabetes and driving weight loss, may also reduce the severity of one of the most common and underdiagnosed sleep disorders in the country.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Either way, grab a drink or coffee at the lobby bar or stroll an expansive veranda outfitted with fire pits, walking paths, and the aforementioned ocean view before your room is ready.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
For a Dodgers team already resented for buying up baseball with its massive payroll, watching its star closer stroll through a cockfighting pit in full uniform feels tailor-made to ignite outrage back home.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
This soot reduction could also make engines stealthier by reducing their infrared signature.—
David Szondy
May 17,
New Atlas,
17 May 2026
-
As of May 15, the stock was trading down nearly 35% from the time of its workforce reduction.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
But there are also lingual tonsils (base of the tongue), tubal (around the opening of the Eustachian tube in the nasopharynx (upper part of cavity behind nose and mouth) and adenoid (high up in throat behind nose).—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 May 2026
-
That bacteria can then enter a patient’s open cavity, leading to infection.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Francis took some punishment from Navarro – a few shots from a baseball bat and a drop kick with a trash can.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
-
Daniella Segura Click the link below for the USA TODAY Network's California June primary voter guide — registration deadline, ballot drop boxes, early voting, and how to track your ballot through Election Day.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Meanwhile, in 2023, at a time when I was exhausted from the seeming futility of constantly writing and talking about it, fascism and the decline of democracy became popular topics in the mainstream media.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
The announcement comes on the heels of the struggling burger chain reporting its fifth straight quarter of same-store sales declines and rumors of a potential take-private deal led by Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dent. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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