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

To date, the research on elderberry extract’s ability to prevent colds or the flu or lessen the severity of symptoms is mixed. —Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 19 Apr. 2024

Typically, food amounts to 1.5-2.5 pounds per day per person, and this weight lessens as the trip goes on. —Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2024

Even if Pasolini telegraphs John’s ultimate choice, robbing the film of some tension, that doesn’t lessen the final scene’s emotional effectiveness. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Apr. 2024

The drone also has built-in guards around its 3-inch propellers, which lessen the chance of injury to yourself or another person. —Jim Fisher, PCMAG, 11 Apr. 2024

Space out plants and reduce companion plantings to increase air circulation and lessen humidity. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2024

Some are concentrating on improving navigation and tugboat protocols to lessen the likelihood of collisions. —Mike Baker, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2024

Eliminate Pain It’s been reported that CBD can help with lessening inflammation and reducing pain signals. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Federal pandemic funding has prompted dozens of cities and counties across the country to implement guaranteed income programs as ways to reduce poverty, lessen inequality and get people working. —Juan Lozano, Fortune, 9 Apr. 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