damp 1 of 3

damp

2 of 3

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

damp

3 of 3

verb

1
2
3

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

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 damp
Adjective
The brand recommends using four to five drops of the serum on slightly damp skin morning and night; in clinical studies, results started to show after some 60 days. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025 This may involve professional mold remediation, avoiding damp environments, and using air purifiers. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 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
Usage: Apply the mask to damp hair from roots to tips, section by section. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025 By comparison, there was significant damping among the cooler graveyards around the LLSVPs. Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for damp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damp
Adjective
  • Weather Hot, humid, or rainy conditions can add significant time to your marathon.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Except that greenhouses are hot, humid, and full of pests.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Stem Cutting When propagating by stem cuttings, a section of an actively growing stem is cut from the plant in spring or early summer and planted in moist potting soil.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Plant in rich moist soils in a shade border and mulch to help keep the roots cool.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Humidity is the amount of moisture that is in the air.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • These Reeboks have a terry lining that absorbs moisture to help keep your feet dry, and include a removable foam sock liner for lightweight support.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Payne drained a 3-pointer the next time down the floor to tie the game, 98-98.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Stroll around and behold the sprawling gardens, luxurious poolside accommodations, spectacular ocean views and the fresh sea air and let the stress drain from your soul.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Han recommends wetting a beauty sponge to add extra coverage to smaller areas of concern, including your hairline and around your nose.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Austin threatened McMahon with a toy gun, leading to a memorable moment at the expense of McMahon wetting himself.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • His failure to contend in that or any subsequent majors became a big storyline: Had Rahm’s move to LIV dulled his competitive edge?
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The intentionally half-baked approach to Season 2 foreshadows an overstuffed and potentially controversial third season, the emotional effect of which will be dulled by the likely long hiatus (Season 1 premiered in January 2023).
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Even a small amount, such as high humidity outdoors or condensation constantly dripping off the inside of a window or steam inside of a bathroom, can cause mold in a home.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • High temperatures will hover around the mid-80s each day this week, with the heat index in the mid-90s due to the humidity.
    Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The site goes on to advance the theory that COVID-19 originated in a Wuhan lab and undermines Trump’s political rivals like Joe Biden and Andrew Cuomo.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Critics are concerned Trump's latest move could allow the administration to purge nonpartisan career officials and replace them with political loyalists, undermining the independence of the federal workforce.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Damp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damp. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on damp

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!