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

• 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

Burrow hopes that feeling the rush and gaining real reps working the pocket will help lessen the impact of opening-week clunkers that contributed to the team’s slow starts. —Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Aug. 2025

Under the new kickoff format designed to lessen the chance of big hits, there were 332 more kickoff returns in 2024 than in 2023, when the league recorded the lowest return rate in its history, but 64% of kickoffs still ended in touchbacks and thus were not returned. —Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

It is also expected to lessen the nation's dependence on foreign countries to develop the key component in nearly every modern U.S. weapons system. —John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

The severe storm threat has lessened to a Level 2 of 5 risk today as the system shifts south and east into the central Plains and Great Lakes. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 29 July 2025

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