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 of lessen

• reduce
• decrease

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

Bonesho said this latest interpretation doesn’t lessen the artifact’s historical importance. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026

The Future Factor Judge Leon concluded that the government had just failed to show that the AT&T-Time Warner merger would substantially lessen competition. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026

But, by making up that 30% threshold, the case created the machinery to answer the question Congress wanted to address – whether a merger would substantially lessen competition. — Shubha Ghosh, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

Anguay said the work being done today will help future generations experience cleaner air and lessen the impacts of climate change. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for lessen

• cresson
• lesson
• delicatessen
• vasopressin

Kids Definition

lessen

verb

less·​en ˈles-ᵊn 

lessened; lessening ˈles-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become less