Synonyms of less

less 1 of 2

adjective

ˈles 

as in lesser

having not so great importance or rank as another

the restaurant's chowder has been declared the state's best by no less a person than the governor himself

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lesser
• smaller
• lower
• small
• minor
• subordinate
• junior
• inferior
• little
• secondary
• petty
• associate
• mean
• minute
• auxiliary
• second-class
• subsidiary
• one-horse
• second-rate
• two-bit
• jerkwater

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• more
• greater
• higher
• major
• superior
• senior
• primary
• prime
• superordinate
• exceptional
• first-class
• choice
• first-rate

less

2 of 2

preposition

as in wanting

Related Words

• wanting
• minus
• except

Dissimilar Words

• beyond
• besides
• as well as
• beside
• including
• over and above
• plus

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of less

Adjective

The researchers found that overall, men had more health conditions going into surgery and lost less weight after surgery. — Crystal Gwizdala, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026

On July 13, the states filed a lawsuit alleging that the merger would combine two of Hollywood’s top five studios, which would lead to higher prices, less movies in theaters and a decrease in the variety and quality of content. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2026

Preposition

Vance has since taken care to appear supportive of the president, if less so about the specifics of the war effort. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026

Phrases Containing less

• more or less
• much less
• still less