lessen

verb

less·​en ˈle-sᵊn How to pronounce lessen (audio)
lessened; lessening ˈle-sᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce lessen (audio)
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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Porosity plus water holding capacity can be increased as well as lessening the potential for topsoil erosion. Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025 That diverts resources from building for the future and lessens the chance that the next generation will be better off than the last. Sarah Keohane Williamson, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Steep tariffs on the country mean Apple either must raise prices or eat the cost of the import duties, lessening its margins. Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 14 May 2025 According to the manufacturer, this Amazon tiny home is made with environmentally friendly materials that can be recycled and lessen construction waste. Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lessen

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of lessen was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lessen. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

lessen

verb
less·​en ˈles-ᵊn How to pronounce lessen (audio)
lessened; lessening ˈles-niŋ How to pronounce lessen (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become less

More from Merriam-Webster on lessen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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