1
as in to reduce
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
we lessened our efforts as it became clear they weren't having an effect
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the pain should begin to lessen within minutes of taking the medication
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to degrade
to lower in character, dignity, or quality
blatant hypocrisy that lessened him in the eyes of the voters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lessen
But the judge granted the prosecution’s motion to lessen the charges against the deputy to a misdemeanor, despite the jury conviction.
—
Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
The bigger challenge is the City Council itself, as councilmembers may be reluctant to change housing policy too much and too quickly, especially in ways that would lessen the relative importance of City Hall in the development process.
—Daniel Brennan, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2025
That the gaping hole is really just a matte painting — a special effect — doesn't lessen the suspense or the comedy.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 May 2025
Continuous care can be made possible with AI’s capacity to process enormous volumes of real-time health data, giving individuals a richer, moment-to-moment picture of their bodies and potentially lessening the need for expensive emergency interventions.
—Gaurav Tewari, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
The bigger challenge is the City Council itself, as councilmembers may be reluctant to change housing policy too much and too quickly, especially in ways that would lessen the relative importance of City Hall in the development process.
—Daniel Brennan, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2025
That the gaping hole is really just a matte painting — a special effect — doesn't lessen the suspense or the comedy.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 May 2025
Continuous care can be made possible with AI’s capacity to process enormous volumes of real-time health data, giving individuals a richer, moment-to-moment picture of their bodies and potentially lessening the need for expensive emergency interventions.
—Gaurav Tewari, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessen
Verb
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Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2025
-
Empower fishing businesses to promote sustainable practices by eliminating overfishing, ending harmful fisheries subsidies globally, and reducing the sometimes destructive impacts of fisheries on marine habitats. 5.—
Marc Benioff,
Time,
8 June 2025
Verb
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Several people are still unaccounted for, but the number of missing people has slowly decreased, a San Antonio Fire Department spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
14 June 2025
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The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
Verb
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Use of this material has been proposed in the past, but has been hampered by the fact that making CNTs involves metals, and the residue left behind ends up degrading electrical performance.—
Alex Knapp,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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Briefly, however, while advocates say that isolating water conveyance from the Delta would improve habitat for fish and other wildlife, opponents contend that less water flowing through the estuary would further degrade its water quality.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
13 June 2025
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
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The perception that Iran’s military strength is significantly diminished will raise questions about the stability of its political system.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
Verb
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Since then, a series of shifts has reshaped the Middle East and weakened Iran and its proxies, the war in Gaza, Israel's decimation of the leadership of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the collapse of the Syrian regime, and now Israel's surprise attack.—
/ CBS News,
CBS News,
15 June 2025
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Should the economy unexpectedly weaken, larger and sooner cuts are possible.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Verb
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Yet, the excitement quickly subsided—shares fell 1.18% in after-hours trading to $178.84 following a mixed Q1 earnings report that exceeded EPS expectations but fell short on sales forecasts.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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The rain had stopped and much of the floodwater was subsiding.—
Gerald Imray,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Verb
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Eventually, Paley’s eyesight deteriorated due to diabetes.—
Meilan Solly,
Smithsonian Magazine,
13 June 2025
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However, the situation is expected to deteriorate further as Netanyahu gave a public speech saying Israel’s military action may last several days.—
Gaurav Sharma,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Verb
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The process starts with extracting CBD from the plant, which is then diluted with coconut oil or hemp seed.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 June 2025
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Similarly, the 34-game Major League Soccer schedule, plus numerous other matches played by many MLS standouts during the season, can dilute the quality of play by asking too much of players.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessen. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.
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