Synonyms of dampen

dampen

verb

ˈdam-pən 

1

as in to moisten

to make or become slightly or moderately wet

dampen a paper towel with water and use it to clean up the mess

Synonyms & Similar Words

• moisten
• damp
• wet
• rinse
• flush
• wash
• saturate
• bedew
• soak
• douse
• drench
• steep
• water
• bathe
• impregnate
• lave
• immerse
• refresh
• irrigate
• dip
• humidify
• dowse
• dunk
• rehydrate
• immerge
• souse
• remoisten
• sluice

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dry
• scorch
• dehydrate
• sear
• desiccate
• parch
• dehumidify

2

as in to reduce

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling

the oppressive heat dampened our spirits

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reduce
• diminish
• deaden
• dull
• weaken
• subside
• damp
• blunt
• decrease
• subdue
• numb
• alleviate
• benumb
• muffle
• ease
• cauterize
• tone (down)
• lessen
• mute
• lighten
• debilitate
• recede
• wane
• let up (on)
• moderate
• dwindle
• lower
• enfeeble
• taper (off)
• abate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• enhance
• sharpen
• strengthen
• intensify
• augment
• consolidate
• deepen
• amplify
• heighten
• stimulate
• boost
• magnify
• whet
• arouse
• step up
• redouble
• beef (up)
• animate

3

as in to undermine

to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality

nothing could dampen their enthusiasm

Synonyms & Similar Words

• undermine
• weaken
• drain
• deaden
• exhaust
• damp
• enervate
• wear
• discourage
• petrify
• castrate
• dehydrate
• desiccate
• devitalize
• debilitate
• lobotomize
• burn out
• fatigue
• enfeeble
• sap
• wear out
• daunt
• geld
• dishearten
• tucker (out)
• demoralize
• dispirit
• do in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stimulate
• energize
• enliven
• invigorate
• arouse
• stir
• quicken
• rouse
• vitalize
• brace
• vivify
• provoke
• excite
• galvanize
• charge
• incite
• trigger
• electrify
• lift
• inflame
• spark
• inspire
• foment
• fire
• instigate
• boost
• cheer
• ferment
• kindle
• whip (up)
• fortify
• revive
• embolden
• renew
• hearten
• buoy
• rekindle
• refresh
• revitalize
• enflame
• abet
• resurrect
• rejuvenate
• reactivate
• reawaken
• regenerate
• resuscitate
• recharge
• reenergize
• reanimate
• reawake

Examples of dampen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But in recent weeks, Fed officials and economic data have dampened hopes for an aggressive monetary easing cycle. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2024

That’s as Fed officials and economic data have dampened optimism for many cuts. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2024

His no-filter ethos has drastically dampened his star power stateside, as fans in the U.S. have a fielder’s choice of reasons to be done with the iconic artist. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2024

As the cloth becomes soiled, rinse in plain water, wring well, and dampen again with vinegar. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2024