as in less
having not so great importance or rank as another
it was the lesser evil of the two choices
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lesser
Minuta, Hackett, and Moerschel were found not guilty of lesser charges, including destruction of government property.
—
Catherine Garcia, The Week, 24 Jan. 2023
In that earlier trial, three other members of the Oath Keepers were found guilty of lesser charges.
—Jan Wolfe and C. Ryan Barber, WSJ, 23 Jan. 2023
Minuta, Hackett and Moerschel were acquitted of lesser charges.
—Michael Kunzelman and Alanna Durkin Richer, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Jan. 2023
Prosecutors tend to settle for plea deals on related charges – pimping, pandering or money laundering – with lesser sentences.
—USA Today, 19 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for lesser
Catherine Garcia, The Week, 24 Jan. 2023
In that earlier trial, three other members of the Oath Keepers were found guilty of lesser charges.
—Jan Wolfe and C. Ryan Barber, WSJ, 23 Jan. 2023
Minuta, Hackett and Moerschel were acquitted of lesser charges.
—Michael Kunzelman and Alanna Durkin Richer, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Jan. 2023
Prosecutors tend to settle for plea deals on related charges – pimping, pandering or money laundering – with lesser sentences.
—USA Today, 19 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for lesser
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lesser
Adjective
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The Broncos have won their last five at home, only one by less than a field goal.—
Jack Magruder,
Forbes.com,
20 Sep. 2025
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Many have fees — nonprofits typically charge less.—
Brian Simpson,
NPR,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And ultimately, the Supreme Court overruled those lower court rulings and did declare the embryos as children qualifying under the wrongful death statute.—
Dana Taylor,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2024
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Lower gas demand amid increasing supply has led to lower pump prices.—
Frank Witsil,
Detroit Free Press,
19 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Lesser.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lesser. Accessed 27 Sep. 2025.
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