lessen

verb

less·​en ˈle-sᵊn 

lessened; lessening ˈle-sᵊn-iŋ 

ˈles-niŋ

intransitive verb

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

The pain will lessen over time.

transitive verb

1

: to reduce in size, extent, or degree

lessen tensions between nations

2

a

archaic : to represent as of little value

b

: to lower in status or dignity : degrade

Synonyms

• abate
• de-escalate
• decrease
• dent
• deplete
• diminish
• downscale
• downsize
• drop
• dwindle
• ease
• knock down
• lower
• reduce

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

Judge Jones quickly denied that request, noting that limiting media coverage of the arraignment hearing was unlikely to lessen the public attention that Geter-Pataky’s case has drawn throughout Connecticut and the country. —Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025

Paul said that the deal struck up between NOAA and the University of Maryland was already one way for the federal agency to lessen costs. —Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025

If this is the case, exercise closer to bedtime is better than no physical activity at all, but there are ways to lessen its impact on sleep, including: Do more intense exercises at the beginning of the workout. —Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2025

Extensive pruning is best done over a period of two to three years to lessen shock to the tree, with no more than one-third of the canopy removed at one time. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for lessen

• cresson
• lesson
• delicatessen
• vasopressin

Kids Definition

lessen

verb

less·​en ˈles-ᵊn 

lessened; lessening ˈles-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become less