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

Analysts said their consumer survey results suggest product improvements are paying off and AI search benefits are lessening its reliance on Google. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

The warmer waters fuel tropical cyclone development in the eastern Pacific and a weaker wind shear lessens the chance of a storm being broken apart. — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

There are few macro signals of a quieter socio-economic landscape ahead that will somehow lessen the proclivity of anxiety in life and work – or the need for leaders to rise to the moment. — Stacey Zolt Hara, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026

This choice to comply, however, could potentially open discussions between the Clippers and the NBA about lessening the discipline. — Matt Schubert, New York Times, 14 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