lessen

verb

less·en ˈle-sᵊn

lessened; lessening ˈle-sᵊn-iŋ

ˈles-niŋ

Synonyms of lessen next

intransitive verb

: to shrink in size, number, or degree : decrease

The pain will lessen over time.

transitive verb

: to reduce in size, extent, or degree

lessen tensions between nations

archaic : to represent as of little value

: to lower in status or dignity : degrade

Choose the Right Synonym for lessen

decrease, lessen, diminish, reduce, abate, dwindle mean to grow or make less.

decrease suggests a progressive decline in size, amount, numbers, or intensity.

slowly decreased the amount of pressure

lessen suggests a decline in amount rather than in number.

has been unable to lessen her debt

diminish emphasizes a perceptible loss and implies its subtraction from a total.

his visual acuity has diminished

reduce implies a bringing down or lowering.

you must reduce your caloric intake

abate implies a reducing of something excessive or oppressive in force or amount.

the storm abated

dwindle implies progressive lessening and is applied to things growing visibly smaller.

their provisions dwindled slowly

Examples of lessen in a Sentence

Medication helps lessen the severity of the symptoms. we lessened our efforts as it became clear they weren't having an effect

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

The legalization of sports betting means that the need to go to Las Vegas has lessened, as locations spring up across the U.S., but the shift to online betting has also had an impact. —

Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025 But that doesn’t necessarily lessen the sting that the organization failed to land Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki, who reportedly narrowed his finalists this week to the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays. —

Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025 Productivity growth achieved thanks to AI and other technologies could help lessen the dilemma, as could higher immigration rates from places where population is still growing. —

Neil Irwin, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025 This can give them a sense of purpose and community, lessening the psychological impact of the news. —

Callum Booth, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for lessen