Thesaurus results for MOIST

Q: How is the word 'moist' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of moist are damp , dank , humid , and wet . While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry. // treat the injury with moist heat

Q: When might 'damp' be a better fit than 'moist'?

The words damp and moist are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use 'dank' instead of 'moist'?

The meanings of dank and moist largely overlap; however, dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness. // a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

Q: Where would 'humid' be a reasonable alternative to 'moist'?

Although the words humid and moist have much in common, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air. // a hot, humid climate

Q: When can 'wet' be used instead of 'moist'?

The words wet and moist can be used in similar contexts, 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

moist

adjective

ˈmȯist

Definition of moist next

as in damp

slightly or moderately wet luckily, my new suede shoes are only a bit moist after I accidentally wore them in the rain

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word moist distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of moist are damp, dank, humid, and wet. While all these words mean "covered or more or less soaked with liquid," moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry.

treat the injury with moist heat

When might damp be a better fit than moist?

The words damp and moist are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use dank instead of moist?

The meanings of dank and moist largely overlap; however, dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness.

a prisoner in a cold, dank cell

Where would humid be a reasonable alternative to moist?

Although the words humid and moist have much in common, humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air.

a hot, humid climate

When can wet be used instead of moist?

The words wet and moist can be used in similar contexts, 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 moist Creeping Charlie thrives in moist and shaded areas but also tolerates sun. —

Lauren David, Martha Stewart, 18 Apr. 2026 One breath of moist air is enough to shatter the internal structure of their halide electrolytes. —

Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026 The weather service expects to issue wind advisories Friday, but forecasters aren’t concerned about a wildfire risk because plants and soils are still fairly moist, Wofford said. —

Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026 Next year, in early spring, check their viability with this test: Place 20 seeds between two sheets of moist paper towels and put the towels in a plastic bag. —

Midwest Living, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for moist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for moist

damp

Adjective

Rinse it off with a soft, damp cloth.

— Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Just apply with a damp microfiber cloth, avoiding soaking the control panels.

— Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026