1
as in undermining
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality refused to let the setbacks damp his drive for success
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wetting
to make or become slightly or moderately wet damp the shirt slightly before ironing it
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3
as in reducing
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling nothing seemed to damp the unwelcome attentions of her suitor
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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 damping Late last year, former President Jair Bolsonaro endorsed his son Flavio as the right’s candidate, damping investor expectations that Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas would gain broader backing. —
Giovanna Bellotti Azevedo, Bloomberg, 7 Apr. 2026 While your seed starting mix mustn't fully dry out, keeping it overly wet and soggy can lead to damping off and other issues that will kill your seedlings. —Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 6 Apr. 2026 Through careful tuning of an extended Kalman filter and by taking advantage of bamboo’s natural vibration-damping properties, the system slashes control latency from 15–20 milliseconds down to just 8–10 milliseconds, enhancing responsiveness while keeping flight stable. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026 This peripheral features silent key switches with additional sound-damping material in the chassis, as well as dedicated shortcut keys and a volume knob. —Aubrey Jowers, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026 The only change here, though, is that the KB399 gets more suspension adjustment than the Kawasaki, thanks to preload and damping adjusters. —New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2026 For supply siders, higher taxes are like kryptonite to an economy, discouraging businesses from investing and damping entrepreneurial activity. —Robert Burgess, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026 Increase Air Circulation and Humidity Place a small fan near the seed starting area to keep the air moving and reduce damping off, a common fungal disease. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026 The damping is also harsher than the bZ’s, but make no mistake, the ride’s still soft and generally comfortable, and this thing unapologetically rolls in the bends. —Adam Ismail, The Drive, 18 Feb. 2026
Giovanna Bellotti Azevedo, Bloomberg, 7 Apr. 2026 While your seed starting mix mustn't fully dry out, keeping it overly wet and soggy can lead to damping off and other issues that will kill your seedlings. —Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 6 Apr. 2026 Through careful tuning of an extended Kalman filter and by taking advantage of bamboo’s natural vibration-damping properties, the system slashes control latency from 15–20 milliseconds down to just 8–10 milliseconds, enhancing responsiveness while keeping flight stable. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026 This peripheral features silent key switches with additional sound-damping material in the chassis, as well as dedicated shortcut keys and a volume knob. —Aubrey Jowers, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026 The only change here, though, is that the KB399 gets more suspension adjustment than the Kawasaki, thanks to preload and damping adjusters. —New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2026 For supply siders, higher taxes are like kryptonite to an economy, discouraging businesses from investing and damping entrepreneurial activity. —Robert Burgess, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026 Increase Air Circulation and Humidity Place a small fan near the seed starting area to keep the air moving and reduce damping off, a common fungal disease. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026 The damping is also harsher than the bZ’s, but make no mistake, the ride’s still soft and generally comfortable, and this thing unapologetically rolls in the bends. —Adam Ismail, The Drive, 18 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damping
Verb
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But caregivers say Kennedy’s comments paint with too broad a brush and risk undermining services that millions depend on.— Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026
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That said, a few words readily available would help connect the dots without undermining the provocation.— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Blot — don’t rub — and avoid over-wetting the mattress, which can lead to mold growth if moisture gets trapped inside.— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026
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Water at the base of plants instead of wetting the entire garden with a sprinkler or hose.— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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MacRumors thinks this could end up reducing the thickness of the iPhone’s display stack while improving brightness and minimizing power use.— Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026
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The Airhart ethos is focused on reducing the cognitive drain on the pilot.— David Szondy April 25, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The impact of those exits could turn out to be the most lasting, potentially weakening the Justice Department for many years to come, several former longterm DOJ lawyers who worked across areas told USA TODAY.— Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
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Moisture can lead to weakening the tree or shrub's protective layer and create an environment for fungal growth, rot, or disease, says Putnam.— Lauren David, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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One of San Francisco's busiest freeways remained shut down Saturday, creating major traffic delays and dampening business for some local restaurants and shops.— Da Lin, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
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Build budgets that defend your savings without dampening your enthusiasm.— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Another suggestion was requiring special sound-deadening balls, currently available, that lower the decibel levels considerably.— John Ramos, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
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Both nationally and in Minnesota , there has been a shift away from intelligent discussion of public policy to endless partisan warfare with a deadening impact on the public.— Arne Carlson, Twin Cities, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The geopolitical conflict in the Middle East is actively draining the American wallet.— Katica Roy, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
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The perfusionist questioned the decision to stop disinfecting the units, saying his concern with draining was that if the tanks weren’t completely dry and still contained moisture, bacteria could form.— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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For indoor growers, Karsch recommends moistening your seed starting mix well before filling trays or small pots and planting, then keeping it moist with a spray bottle or mister.— Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 6 Apr. 2026
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Your nose is better at warming and moistening the cold, dry air than your mouth.— Susan Russell, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Damping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/damping. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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