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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Moisten your skin: Use a damp washcloth or your fingers to lightly moisten your skin. —

Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2025 This is an electronic temperature control heating cap that uses heat to steam damp strands which is ideal for those who love to add a heated steaming process to their deep conditioning treatment or mask treatments for an improved product result. —

Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 16 Jan. 2025

Noun

Keep It Cozy Basements often have practical finishes like cement and tile to help ward off the damp, but that doesn't mean your lower level needs to feel like a utility room. —

Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023 Issues such as mold and damp can lead to respiratory problems and headaches. —

WIRED, 27 June 2023

Verb

Sales in Japan also performed worse than expected as a stronger yen damped buying by Chinese consumers who traveled there to shop for luxury items. —

Angelina Rascouet, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024 For this test, women’s long-sleeved running shirts were worn in a range of winter conditions, from cold, dry, sometimes snowy Colorado Front Range and high country, to cold, damp Virginia and cool, rainy, mild Northern California. —

Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for damp

Recent Examples of Synonyms for damp

Adjective

Other ways to prevent an imbalance include avoiding exercise in hot, humid environments, reducing salt intake, managing health conditions, and addressing medication concerns with your healthcare provider.

— Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025
On the mane front, Southern women have been known for big hair, lots of hair spray, and constantly defying the hot, humid environment around them.

— Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2025