1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
as in to degrade
to lower in character, dignity, or quality
blatant hypocrisy that lessened him in the eyes of the voters
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lessen
The goal of the initiative is to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries by creating multiple layers of protection, so if one fails, the others will provide a safety net to lessen the impact of a crash.
—
Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Instead, the bill not only makes the child tax credit permanent but also increases the credit at $2,200 per child, lessening the financial burden that can come with raising a family.
—Young Kim, Oc Register, 14 July 2025
The texture and color of vines or narrow, upright plants will lessen the visual impact of the wall or fence.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
Because of the risk of cancellation, cruise lines often schedule a short sailing immediately following dry dock, to lessen the financial impact of a delay.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Instead, the bill not only makes the child tax credit permanent but also increases the credit at $2,200 per child, lessening the financial burden that can come with raising a family.
—Young Kim, Oc Register, 14 July 2025
The texture and color of vines or narrow, upright plants will lessen the visual impact of the wall or fence.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
Because of the risk of cancellation, cruise lines often schedule a short sailing immediately following dry dock, to lessen the financial impact of a delay.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessen
Verb
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The ban aims to improve academic achievement, reduce cyberbullying, and minimize classroom disruptions.—
Ruby Grisin,
The Courier-Journal,
26 July 2025
-
Morning dopamine spikes from phone use reduce your motivation to pursue slower, more meaningful tasks later.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Verb
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The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
31 July 2025
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The folate in avocado also aids in controlling serotonin and dopamine levels, which can decrease risk of depression.—
Sheah Rarback,
Miami Herald,
31 July 2025
Verb
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Poor sizing can result in uneven temperatures, higher utility bills, potentially shorter equipment lifespan, and degraded indoor air quality.—
Brynn Cooksey,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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In April, Hamdan Ballal, another of the film’s co-directors, was beaten and degraded by Israeli settlers, then blindfolded and detained at an army base, only weeks after winning an Oscar.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
29 July 2025
Verb
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Rarely has an executive ever shown the kind of patience that Getz is displaying with the 2023 All-Star and Silver Slugger winner, who has diminished his trade value by hitting .219 with a .656 OPS since the start of ’24.—
Phil Rogers,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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The Stars regularly raise prices on their services while diminishing their quality.—
Kenny Jacoby,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Also in the Pacific, Tropical Depression Iona, over 1,400 miles west of Honolulu, continued weakening as it was expected to cross the International Date Line on Saturday, according to a hurricane center advisory.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
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Alcohol also weakens the valve that keeps stomach acid in place, leading to reflux and heartburn.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Authorities emphasized that beaches and waterfront areas should be avoided until the threat of wave activity fully subsides.—
Barney Henderson
Robert Birsel
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 July 2025
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Combined with other public health efforts, this clean needle initiative caused the outbreak to subside.—
Dave Wessner,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Longtime customers had speculated about Cub Foods’ decline in Midway since customer service began deteriorating early in the pandemic.—
Gloria Ngwa,
Twin Cities,
1 Aug. 2025
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Another attempt is likely Friday, although weather conditions will deteriorate somewhat.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Such critics are concerned that our approach might dilute the sense of urgency necessary and undermine public messaging.—
Francesco Rubino,
Time,
9 July 2025
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Fill the glass with ice, and repeat with the other glass. 3: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, stir together the Earl Grey simple syrup, lime juice and smoked paprika until thoroughly chilled and diluted, about 15 seconds.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessen. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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