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.

To further inform residents of the extreme conditions and to lessen injuries and fatalities, the Erie County Department of Senior Services offered a few tips to tackle the snowy and icy conditions – including warming up before shoveling, using a small shovel and shoveling in intervals. —

Danielle Jennings, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024 Your symptoms typically are lessened by having the flu shot, and the duration also can be shortened. —

Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Dec. 2024 Instead, it's formulated with Bulgarian rose, a retinol alternative that lessens the look of fine lines and increases firmness. —

Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024 Travel on the spectrum:How flights to nowhere can help 'lessen the anxiety' for travelers with autism 2. —

Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lessen