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

Enter Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), a minimally-invasive procedure that lessens blood flow to inflamed spots in the knee to reduce chronic pain and swelling. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 24 Sep. 2026

Most people assume that as technology improves, trust will follow and oversight gradually lessens. — Francesco Iorio, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

House lawmakers have introduced a slew of new bills this month aimed at lessening the impact of gas and fuel prices on Americans' budgets, including floating a tax deduction. — Cj Haddad, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026

Though the rate of killing has lessened today, with some states restricting the shooting of prairie dogs, they’re still widely considered pests among ranchers. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 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