dampen
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for dampen, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make something slightly wet.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To make something slightly wet.
“Dampen the sponge before wiping down the tiles.”
2. verb
To weaken or reduce a feeling, reaction, or effect.
“Bad weather couldn't dampen their enthusiasm for the trip.”
Opposites
How to use dampen
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
dampen spirits
dampen enthusiasm
dampen the mood
Etymology
From damp plus the verb-forming ending -en, on the same pattern as "sharpen" or "harden."
Full origin of dampen →Frequently asked questions
What does “dampen” mean?
The word “dampen” means to make something slightly wet. In plain terms, to make something a bit wet, or more often, to take the edge off an emotion or reaction.
How do you pronounce “dampen”?
“Dampen” is pronounced DAM-puhn (/ˈdæmpən/ in IPA).
How do you use “dampen” in a sentence?
Here is “dampen” used in a sentence: “Dampen the sponge before wiping down the tiles.”
What part of speech is “dampen”?
“Dampen” is a verb.
How many meanings does “dampen” have?
“Dampen” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something slightly wet.
