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
Despite initial concerns from some young conservatives about whether Kirk's killing could lessen campus activism, Turning Point has since reported a rise in engagement.
—
Elena Moore, NPR, 21 Sep. 2025
The Switch 2 upgrade is free, but that doesn't lessen the sting of paying modern prices for old games.
—Jeffrey L. Wilson, PC Magazine, 20 Sep. 2025
Decentralization can reduce the risk of government mismanagement or overreach, lessening the likelihood of currency debasement and/or runaway inflation.
—Alex Pron, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Imagine wanting to see a play—ostensibly, in part, for the liveness of a play—but mistrusting your judgment enough to read a review first, thereby lessening your opportunity for surprise.
—Lauren Rothery, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Elena Moore, NPR, 21 Sep. 2025
The Switch 2 upgrade is free, but that doesn't lessen the sting of paying modern prices for old games.
—Jeffrey L. Wilson, PC Magazine, 20 Sep. 2025
Decentralization can reduce the risk of government mismanagement or overreach, lessening the likelihood of currency debasement and/or runaway inflation.
—Alex Pron, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Imagine wanting to see a play—ostensibly, in part, for the liveness of a play—but mistrusting your judgment enough to read a review first, thereby lessening your opportunity for surprise.
—Lauren Rothery, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessen
Verb
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The weapon can also fly more than 45 miles to strike mobile targets, reducing the amount of time that aircrews spend in harm’s way.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Sep. 2025
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Robert Shapiro, a professor of government and public affairs at Columbia University, questioned whether the removal of social media would meaningfully reduce the likelihood of political violence.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Spaying a female pet prevents uterine infections and greatly decreases the risk of breast tumors.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
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Even with aggressive climate action that drastically decreases fossil fuel burning, the primary driver of global warming, smoke levels are likely to increase substantially, doubling by the middle of the century.—
Alejandra Borunda,
NPR,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The combination of cold temperatures, low downforce, and low cornering speeds meant that the Pirelli tires didn't really degrade, helping out the teams that, unlike McLaren, don't look after their tires well when the situation is reversed.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
22 Sep. 2025
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Just be sure not to add it to any hot liquids (so that cozy cup of coffee or matcha is a no-go), as heat can degrade the bioactive compounds.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The low-key setting — a 6-0 thrashing of third tier opposition in the Carabao Cup third round — does not diminish the quality of strikes that Gomez’s former Inter Miami team-mate Lionel Messi would have been proud of.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
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However, the overall severe weather threat will diminish as the front pushes southward.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Federal Reserve is closely watching spending trends as policymakers debate a path for interest rate cuts — with the first trim expected Wednesday — but signs of a weakening labor market loom over the economy.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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While the greenback has depreciated against other major currencies this year, with the dollar index tumbling over 10%, those currencies have also weakened in value relative to gold, Dalio said, noting that gold has become the second largest reserve currency globally.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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NurPhoto via Getty Images After waves of nostalgia subsided and Newcastle United’s raucous, special atmosphere calmed, FC Barcelona set about teaching a clinic.—
Harry De Cosemo,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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During the recent measles outbreak centered in Texas, the Pandemic Center’s data contradicted Kennedy’s assertions that the crisis was subsiding, Jennifer Nuzzo, the director of the Pandemic Center, told me.—
Yasmin Tayag,
The Atlantic,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Officials chose Dillow for closure because the building’s condition was rapidly deteriorating due to a water leak.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Sep. 2025
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Farley, a former New York City health commissioner who teaches at Tulane University, acknowledged that many factors contribute to falls, including the physical impairments and deteriorating eyesight associated with advancing age; alcohol abuse; and tripping hazards in people’s homes.—
Paula Span,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Bailouts Government bailouts contribute to monetary debasement via the creation of new money, which dilutes the currency’s value and fuels inflation.—
Alex Pron,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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However, this formula is diluted enough to be safe for use.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessen. Accessed 26 Sep. 2025.
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