lessen

less·en

verb \ˈle-s^ən\

less·enedless·en·ing\ˈles-niŋ, ˈle-s^ən-iŋ\

Definition of LESSEN

intransitive verb

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

transitive verb

1

: to reduce in size, extent, or degree

2

a archaic : to represent as of little value b : to lower in status or dignity : degrade

Examples of LESSEN

1. Medication helps lessen the severity of the symptoms.
2. <we lessened our efforts as it became clear they weren't having an effect>

First Known Use of LESSEN

13th century

Related to LESSEN

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

Antonyms: aggrandize, amplify, augment, boost, enlarge, escalate, expand, increase, raise

Related Words: compress, condense, constrict, contract; abbreviate, abridge, clip, crop, curtail, cut, cut back, cut down, dock, nick, pare, prune, retrench, shorten, slash, trim, truncate, whittle; deflate, shrink; minimize; moderate, modify, modulate, qualify

Near Antonyms: blow up, dilate, distend, inflate, swell; elongate, extend, lengthen, prolong, protract; add (to), complement, supplement; enhance, heighten, intensify; redouble

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at decrease

Rhymes with LESSEN

lesson, messan