LESSEN Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'lessen' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lessen are abate , decrease , diminish , dwindle , and reduce . While all these words mean "to grow or make less," lessen suggests a decline in amount rather than in number. // has been unable to lessen her debt

Q: When can 'abate' be used instead of 'lessen'?

The meanings of abate and lessen largely overlap; however, abate implies a reducing of something excessive or oppressive in force or amount. // the storm abated

Q: When is 'decrease' a more appropriate choice than 'lessen'?

The words decrease and lessen are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decrease suggests a progressive decline in size, amount, numbers, or intensity. // slowly decreased the amount of pressure

Q: In what contexts can 'diminish' take the place of 'lessen'?

Although the words diminish and lessen have much in common, diminish emphasizes a perceptible loss and implies its subtraction from a total. // his visual acuity has diminished

Q: Where would 'dwindle' be a reasonable alternative to 'lessen'?

While the synonyms dwindle and lessen are close in meaning, dwindle implies progressive lessening and is applied to things growing visibly smaller. // their provisions dwindled slowly

Q: When might 'reduce' be a better fit than 'lessen'?

The words reduce and lessen can be used in similar contexts, but reduce implies a bringing down or lowering. // you must reduce your caloric intake

lessen

verb

ˈle-sᵊn

Definition of lessen next

as in to reduce

to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent we lessened our efforts as it became clear they weren't having an effect

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to decrease

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually the pain should begin to lessen within minutes of taking the medication

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to degrade

to lower in character, dignity, or quality blatant hypocrisy that lessened him in the eyes of the voters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb lessen differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lessen are abate, decrease, diminish, dwindle, and reduce. While all these words mean "to grow or make less," lessen suggests a decline in amount rather than in number.

has been unable to lessen her debt

When can abate be used instead of lessen?

The meanings of abate and lessen largely overlap; however, abate implies a reducing of something excessive or oppressive in force or amount.

the storm abated

When is decrease a more appropriate choice than lessen?

The words decrease and lessen are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decrease suggests a progressive decline in size, amount, numbers, or intensity.

slowly decreased the amount of pressure

In what contexts can diminish take the place of lessen?

Although the words diminish and lessen have much in common, diminish emphasizes a perceptible loss and implies its subtraction from a total.

his visual acuity has diminished

Where would dwindle be a reasonable alternative to lessen?

While the synonyms dwindle and lessen are close in meaning, dwindle implies progressive lessening and is applied to things growing visibly smaller.

their provisions dwindled slowly

When might reduce be a better fit than lessen?

The words reduce and lessen can be used in similar contexts, but reduce implies a bringing down or lowering.

you must reduce your caloric intake

Examples 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 lessen By building its own nuclear weapons and lessening its dependence on U.S. nuclear protection, South Korea would be doing precisely that. —

Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024 This will lessen the potential cross-contamination of germs. —

Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2024 Throughout the presidential campaign, many of Trump’s most ardent fans joined the Musk fandom as well, lessening the odds that the government will be subjecting him and his businesses to scrutiny anytime soon. —

Makena Kelly, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2024 In other words, people may feel more satisfied after having a solid sweet, lessening the chances of sugar overconsumption and poor health outcomes. —

Maggie O'Neill, Health, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lessen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessen

Verb

Studies show that cigarettes with lower nicotine content reduce people’s dependence on nicotine and can help alleviate some of the cravings associated with withdrawal.

Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025
Customers who don’t upgrade will see their rates reduced by about $13 while losing access to the regional sports networks.

Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 15 Jan. 2025