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

Cortisol plays a role in the body’s response to stress, as well as other key bodily functions, such as lessening inflammation, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, and ensuring that the heart and blood vessels are working properly. —Madeline Nguyen, The Arizona Republic, 12 June 2024

On one hand, a resilient labor market lessens the chance that the economy will tip into recession. —Krystal Hur, CNN, 10 June 2024

La Niña conditions can help spark Atlantic hurricane activity by lessening wind shear in the tropics, according to NOAA. —Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 24 May 2024

Encouraging men to carry more of the burden of infertility can help improve men’s health, while lessening pressure on women who endure the arduous processes of egg-freezing, IVF, and other treatments. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 23 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

lessen

verb

less·​en ˈles-ᵊn 

lessened; lessening ˈles-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become less