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

The Starliner launch aims to lessen NASA’s dependence on Russia for low-orbit spaceflight. —Mackenzie McCarty, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 May 2024

This number elicited some concern from District 5 Commissioner Ed Rothstein, who questioned whether altering or limiting transit service in the county could lessen the amount of money needed. —Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2024

Realizing My Bloating Was Not Normal New Treatments Can Eliminate Symptoms Taylor says that research shows that there may be some ways to lessen the effects of uterine fibroids. —Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 21 May 2024

Finally, some local insurance carriers are requiring electrical panels be replaced in order to lessen the possibility of fire. —Allen Buchanan, Orange County Register, 18 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