DAMP Synonyms: 247 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'damp' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of damp are dank , humid , moist , and wet . While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," damp implies a slight or moderate absorption and often connotes an unpleasant degree of moisture. // clothes will mildew if stored in a damp place

Q: When would 'dank' be a good substitute for 'damp'?

In some situations, the words dank and damp are roughly equivalent. However, dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness. // a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

Q: When could 'humid' be used to replace 'damp'?

While the synonyms humid and damp are close in meaning, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air. // a hot, humid climate

Q: When can 'moist' be used instead of 'damp'?

The meanings of moist and damp largely overlap; however, moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry. // treat the injury with moist heat

Q: When is 'wet' a more appropriate choice than 'damp'?

The synonyms wet and damp are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

damp 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of damp next

as in humid

containing or characterized by an uncomfortable amount of moisture the damp air made 85 degrees feel like 105

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in moist

slightly or moderately wet marks can usually be removed with a damp cloth

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damp

2 of 3

noun

ˈdamp

as in moisture

the amount of water suspended in the air in tiny droplets we bought a dehumidifier for the basement when the damp down there began causing mold to grow

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damp

3 of 3

verb

as in to drain

to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality refused to let the setbacks damp his drive for success

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as in to wet

to make or become slightly or moderately wet damp the shirt slightly before ironing it

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as in to dull

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling nothing seemed to damp the unwelcome attentions of her suitor

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word damp distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of damp are dank, humid, moist, and wet. While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," 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 damp?

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

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

When could humid be used to replace damp?

While the synonyms humid and damp are close in meaning, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

When can moist be used instead of damp?

The meanings of moist and damp largely overlap; however, moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

When is wet a more appropriate choice than damp?

The synonyms wet and damp are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Examples 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 damp

Adjective

Listeria is a common and stubbornly persistent type of bacterium that thrives in the cool, damp conditions found in processing plants, unlike many other foodborne pathogens. —

Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 Many of the insects found in leaf piles are seeking shelter in preparation for the winter, and the dark, damp piles provide food-rich spots that are perfect for various species. —

Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 14 Oct. 2024

Noun

Issues such as mold and damp can lead to respiratory problems and headaches. —

WIRED, 27 June 2023 The upper-level area of low pressure responsible for the recent damp and dreariness starts to drift away tomorrow, making for a somewhat brighter and warmer Thursday, before a sunnier and more springlike Friday through Sunday. —

Dan Stillman, Washington Post, 3 May 2023

Verb

Critics have also alleged that the measure damps the housing market. —

Paloma Esquivel, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2024 But the financial crisis roiled global markets soon after, damping car sales in developed economies. —

Shawn Tully, Fortune Asia, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for damp

Recent Examples of Synonyms for damp

Adjective

Milton is also taking up moisture from the very humid atmosphere, which, as a rule, can hold 7 percent more water vapor for every degree-Celsius increase in temperature.

Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024
Tips for Protecting Clothes in the Garage In a humid climate, Hargrove suggests adding desiccant packs to storage bins to keep clothing dry.

Barbara Bellesi Zito, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024