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Definition
- adjective
- adverb
- adjective 2
- Synonyms
- Example Sentences
- Word History
- Phrases Containing
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Synonyms
Examples of lesser in a Sentence
Adjective
The winner will receive $100; lesser amounts will be given to three runners-up.
A lesser man than he might have simply given up.
She agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge.
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Adjective
Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points.
—Staff Writer
follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2023
The story of 2022 (and 2021 to a lesser extent) was energy.
—Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 31 Jan. 2023
Adverb
And while his statistics paled in comparison to Jackson’s, most bookmakers expect Allen to win his first NFL MVP Award this year after leading the Bills to a 13-4 record and an AFC East title despite a lesser supporting cast.
—Peter Sblendorio, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
But his sister, who was hired by the farm and ranch, told him about the opportunity at Bow & Arrow, which remains lesser known among locals.
—Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, The Denver Post, 30 Dec. 2024
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Word History
Phrases Containing lesser
Dictionary Entries Near lesser
Cite this Entry
“Lesser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lesser. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
lesser
1 of 2 adjective
less·er
ˈles-ər
: of smaller size or importance
lesser
2 of 2 adverbLegal Definition
lesser
adjective
less·er
ˈle-sər
: of less size, quality, degree, or significance
specifically
: of lower criminal liability
duress has been held a good defense to such lesser crimes as robbery, burglary and malicious mischief —W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.
More from Merriam-Webster on lesser
Nglish: Translation of lesser for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of lesser for Arabic Speakers
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