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

as in humid

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

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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Heat-protectant oils Some oils require application on damp hair or hair that’s about to be dried—those would be heat-protecting oils. — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 July 2026 Humidity usually rises overnight as temperatures fall, which is why nights feel damp and dew forms by early morning. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026

Noun

Kids would double down with their taunting of the fountain and get a little damp for their trouble. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026 Fleas thrive in damp, shady areas, so think about removing piles of leaves or debris from your yard or garden. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 9 June 2026

Verb

In those regions, expect to find them anywhere there's grass coverage, excessive brush and overgrowth, and damp conditions. — Heather Bien, The Spruce, 23 June 2026 The suspension has been reworked by completely altering its geometry, mounting points, and damping. — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for damp

Recent Examples of Synonyms for damp

Adjective

When perspiration cannot evaporate in humid air, moisture clings to the skin and body temperature climbs rapidly, according to the Mayo Clinic.

— Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
Winner goes to the Round of 16 (in a different, hopefully less humid city).

— Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of humid

Adjective

The sour note is present but understated, and the texture is both springy and moist.

— Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Overhead Watering Spraying water over your entire rose bush is quick and easy, but doing so creates moist conditions that promote fungal diseases.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026

Definition of moist

Noun

These Juclise socks are made with bamboo to cool down your body heat and provide moisture-wicking features to absorb sweat while keeping the socks (and your feet) dry.

— Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026
Slow-moving storms carrying ample moisture will raise the risk of localized flash flooding, especially across the mid-Atlantic.

— Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 5 July 2026

Definition of moisture

Verb

Conwell drained a three on his first shot but then missed six in a row, before hitting another three late in the third quarter.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
The promotion dropped on Monday, June 29 and almost immediately, the original $150,000 budget allocated to the promotion was drained —covering some 25,000 pulls.

— Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of drain

Verb

Before applying the resurfacer, blow or sweep off any leaves or debris, then wet the surface to prevent the concrete from drying too quickly.

— Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026
Taking regular cool showers and baths, wetting clothes or towels with cold water and putting your pillowcases in the fridge or freezer can all help further cool your body down, and hopefully, get a good night’s sleep.

— Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 2 July 2026

Definition of wet

Verb

That doesn’t do anything to dull the impact of Haaland’s collection, though.

— Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Ampere’s research appeared to suggest that the influx of romance book adaptations and romance drama in general has dulled the appetite for reality shows about love.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 29 June 2026

Definition of dull

Noun

Of course, when training in heat and humidity, staying hydrated is critical as well as attempts to stay as cool as possible when training during hot temperatures.

— Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Areas with heavy rain, snow, or high humidity are more prone to wood rot, mildew, and moisture absorption, often requiring restaining every one to two years.

— Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026

Definition of humidity

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damp

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“Damp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damp. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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adjective

noun

verb

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Is it 'damp down' or 'tamp down'?

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on damp

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Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

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