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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lessen
Taking care of your physical and mental well-being can help keep your body and joints functioning for longer, maintain bone health and muscle strength, reduce frailty, and even lessen the risk of certain health conditions, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
—
Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 12 May 2025
The Panthers are not overly concerned about Tkachuk and that level of worry lessened as the first-round series progressed.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 May 2025
Under Amon, Qualcomm has been trying to lessen its reliance on the phone market with a push into new areas.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
This would lessen the need of annual flu shots to boost the immune system before seasonal cases surge.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 12 May 2025
The Panthers are not overly concerned about Tkachuk and that level of worry lessened as the first-round series progressed.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 May 2025
Under Amon, Qualcomm has been trying to lessen its reliance on the phone market with a push into new areas.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
This would lessen the need of annual flu shots to boost the immune system before seasonal cases surge.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessen
Verb
-
With Bayern aiming to reduce their wage bill, the Wirtz signing would have come at the cost of at least an extra €20million (£16.8m, $22.7m) per year, on top of a transfer fee somewhere between €100m and €150m.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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Their original sentences, which were 12 years and seven years, respectively, were reduced in September 2023.—
Esther Kang,
People.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
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Nord decreased our upload speeds by 38.37% and our latency by 29.26%.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
20 May 2025
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Although the unsheltered population in the city of L.A. decreased last year from 32,680 to 29,275, and is projected to decline again this year, residents and business owners continue to express frustration with the city’s handling of the homelessness crisis.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Plus, this rash guard’s fabric blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays, though keep in mind that frequent laundering will degrade the UV-blocking ability over time.5 In general, it’s recommended that UPF clothing be replaced after 40-50 washes.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
19 May 2025
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Meanwhile, Erebus is at risk of degrading due to strong currents.—
Meilan Solly,
Smithsonian Magazine,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
Give credit without diminishing your own contributions.—
Marvin Krislov,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
Verb
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In Colorado, for example, several AI companies recently lobbied to delay and weaken the state’s landmark AI accountability legislation — a preview of what unchecked industry influence could look like under a regulatory freeze.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
-
Their backing from the youngest voters weakened in 2024 (Catalist).—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Luckily, the experience trumped inhaling the intense stench, which eventually subsided.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
16 May 2025
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This new poll, and others, suggest voters' concerns over the economy may be subsiding.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Their mental health deteriorated, which reinforced the officer’s excuse to keep them deadlocked.—
Justyna Rzewinski,
New York Daily News,
21 May 2025
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While more durable than the original Irish linen that encased the wings when the KC Eaglet rolled out of the factory on Aug. 12, 1930, all fabrics will deteriorate over time from exposure to the sun.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Han and Li’s student-teacher relationship in particular is diluted and lacks necessary grounding, and there’s little compelling friction between the two masters to make up for it.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
28 May 2025
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Follow label directions to dilute the concentrate before spraying.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessen. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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