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 threat of public shaming makes normal interactions risky and at times can lessen the chance young men will pursue relationships or go on dates.
—
Eli Thompson, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2025
With the use of more carts rather than bags, and fewer collection cycles, city leaders expect the plan would also lessen the likelihood of workplace injuries.
—Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Bringing forward the perspective of Haitians represents one way to both lessen the silences of the past and rectify the ongoing and harmful distortions of the present.
—Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
By penetrating more deeply beneath the skin’s surface, infrared saunas are able to help stimulate production of collagen and elastin—which may lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
—Dean Stattmann, Outside, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Eli Thompson, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2025
With the use of more carts rather than bags, and fewer collection cycles, city leaders expect the plan would also lessen the likelihood of workplace injuries.
—Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Bringing forward the perspective of Haitians represents one way to both lessen the silences of the past and rectify the ongoing and harmful distortions of the present.
—Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
By penetrating more deeply beneath the skin’s surface, infrared saunas are able to help stimulate production of collagen and elastin—which may lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
—Dean Stattmann, Outside, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessen
Verb
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As part of a plea agreement, the murder charge was reduced to involuntary manslaughter, and the remaining charges were dismissed.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
22 Oct. 2025
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Additional heavy rainfall is possible beyond Saturday; however, uncertainty in Melissa's track and forward speed reduces confidence in exact totals.—
MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT,
Miami Herald,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As the Universe continues to expand, dark energy’s relative contributions to the energy density will rise, while the remaining components will continue to decrease in relative importance.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
24 Oct. 2025
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See what prices have increased and decreased.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In their world, which is also ours, selfhood has degraded into taste, preferences, demography, and outlays of attention and money.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
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Unsubstantiated rumors still swirl online and in county meetings that wind, solar and battery storage facilities will degrade the environment, destroy rural culture and lower property values.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Adopting China’s position in this way would be a blunder, diminishing Taiwan’s resolve to resist Chinese aggression and coercion.—
STEPHEN WERTHEIM,
Foreign Affairs,
28 Oct. 2025
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Social media feeds can lead people toward the dark side with negative content or content that can diminish self-esteem.—
NPR,
NPR,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Losing him for the entire World Series would weaken their already-thin bullpen, and force Roberts to get creative in high-leverage situations after his starting pitcher has been removed.—
Jon Paul Hoornstra,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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After accounting for lifestyle variables like exercise, the effects weakened a bit as, for example, more active people tend to spend more time outdoors.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Dray also highlighted Honeywell’s strong and enduring core businesses, which subsiding headwinds from here should allow the market to focus better on.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
27 Oct. 2025
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As the mid-Missouri heat and humidity finally subside, any outdoor activity—from the perfect wine picnic to a Katy Trail hike—is much more pleasant.—
Erika Ebsworth-Goold,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Instead, the property has passed hands from private owner to private owner, hidden from view off a lonely winding road, slowly deteriorating over the years.—
Amanda Rosa
October 23,
Miami Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
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Grid operators are warning of steep increases in electricity demand for the first time in decades, leading utilities to race to expand capacity by reviving plans for natural-gas plants or building new ones, and, in some regions, even extending the life of deteriorating coal facilities.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Americano Americano is a shot of espresso that’s diluted with hot water, resulting in a smoother and more balanced flavor.—
Laura Schober,
Health,
23 Oct. 2025
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While bleach should never be used at full-strength on any floors, it can be diluted and used on concrete, tile, and sometimes vinyl.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessen. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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