humid

adjective

ˈhyü-məd How to pronounce humid (audio)
Definition of humidnext
as in damp
containing or characterized by an uncomfortable amount of moisture the air was so humid that our beach towels hanging on the line never really got dry

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word humid distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of humid are damp, dank, moist, and wet. While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

When is it sensible to use damp instead of humid?

While the synonyms damp and humid are close in meaning, 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 humid?

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

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

In what contexts can moist take the place of humid?

The synonyms moist and humid are sometimes interchangeable, but moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

Where would wet be a reasonable alternative to humid?

The meanings of wet and humid largely overlap; however, 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 humid Dangerous heat is expected to persist across the Kansas City area this week, marking one of the longest stretches of hot and humid weather in the metro since 2023, according to the National Weather Service. —Kansas City Star, 21 July 2025 Best Linen Dresses Linen provides summer-friendly moisture-wicking material and natural fibers that encourage the air flow needed for humid days in Europe. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025 Large parts of the US have seen an unusually humid summer with record amounts of moisture in the air. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 20 July 2025 More chances for rain come to Kansas City Friday night after a hot and humid day, with heat index values forecast near 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. —Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for humid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humid
  1. damp
  2. sticky
  3. muggy
Adjective
  • Rinse the pot—make sure the pot is damp but not soaking wet.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 23 July 2025
  • How to Apply: Apply a small amount to the lengths and ends of damp or dry hair.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 July 2025
Definition of damp
Adjective
  • The motivation behind the trend is understandable—no one wants sticky detergent dripping all over their hands or laundry room.
    — Kendall Bettle, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The underside of the stones is bonded to the sticky asphalt cement.
    — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 2 Aug. 2025
Definition of sticky
Adjective
  • His 90-pitch slog on a muggy 88-degree night began after an eight-pitch first inning.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
  • As dusk descends on a muggy August evening at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, smoke and sweat hang in the air.
    — Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 17 July 2025
Definition of muggy

Browse Nearby Words

humdrum
humid
humidified
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humid. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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