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

The 2005 visual was largely similar, but lessened the amount of protein recommended and added an icon representing physical activity. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026

Neither player is a prolific shot-maker from long range, but Green’s dwindling speed advantage is further lessened when he is guarded by power forwards rather than centers on dribble handoffs. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026

The goal is to highlight Karrie’s features that will hopefully impress the judges and even have an opportunity to lessen the impact of anything that might lower his score. —Chris Torres, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026

Cruz alleges in his letter to Johnson that Boardman lessened Roske’s sentence by 22 years out of concern Roske over his gender identity. —Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 7 Jan. 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