make a dent

VERB

solve

Synonyms

STRONGEST

clarify clear up deal with decide determine do explain figure out fix have iron out settle work out

STRONG

break construe crack decipher decode disentangle divine elucidate enlighten expound fathom get hit illuminate interpret lick puzzle reason unfold unlock unravel untangle work

WEAK

find out get right get to the bottom hit upon make out pan out put two and two together think out unriddle

Antonyms

STRONGEST

complicate confuse defer destroy hesitate miss neglect put off unsettle

STRONG

agree be vague fail hide lose mend misunderstand obscure tangle twist

WEAK

pose question search wonder

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Murphy’s fellow representative, Democrat Zac Ista, told ProPublica he hadn’t been able to make a dent in this legislature.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

But will either survive long enough to make a dent?

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

That would still make a dent, taking global growth to 2.9% this year from an expected 3.4% before the war.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

The 30-year-old's desire to make a dent in the head-to-head was evident in a spirited second-set display but he was ultimately unable to match Zverev once the German raised his level.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

Not even his granddaughter’s prodigious talent for extravagance was able to make a dent in his purse.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende

make a dent

Example Sentences

Related Words