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

Democrats said one of the biggest benefits is that tax increases will likely be lessened in many cities and towns because of the additional funding that the municipalities will receive. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026

The open communication also lessened the pressure on players, says Denmark and Bayern Munich striker Pernille Harder. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 May 2026

But understanding the caution doesn’t lessen the impact of his absence. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026

Shortsleeve would only serve to undercut Minogue and lessen his chances of beating Governor Healey, the way the gubernatorial candidacy of Republican Geoff Diehl was damaged by the primary challenge of businessman Chris Doughty four years ago. —Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 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