put a damper on

phrase

: to make (something) less strong, active, or exciting
His bad mood put a damper on the celebration.
He was putting a bit of a damper on her spirits.

Examples of put a damper on in a Sentence

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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.
Spotting white bugs on your hibiscus, that tropical queen of the patio, can put a damper on your gardening efforts. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2026 But things turned into a nightmare in the second quarter, as the Aces put a damper on the celebrations. — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Tackle Josh Simmons and rookie defensive lineman Peter Woods have made solid early impressions, but injuries to receivers Xavier Worthy and Cyrus Allen have put a damper on things. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026 The 2026 cyclosporiasis surge has put a damper on salad season. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for put a damper on

Rhymes for put a damper on

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Browse Nearby Words

put a dampener on
put a damper on
put a foot wrong
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Cite this Entry

“Put a damper on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20a%20damper%20on. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on put a damper on

Nglish: Translation of put a damper on for Spanish Speakers

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