less 1 of 2

Definition of lessnext

less

2 of 2

preposition

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of less
Adjective
Republican candidate Michael Stansfield was leading the top Democrat candidate, former state Senator Richard Pan, by less than a percentage point. Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 This is where the Falcon 9 returned to flight, less than five months later, in January 2017. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 June 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 Get ready for a lot less facial hair on your television. Megan Friedman, Country Living, 17 Nov. 2016 See All Example Sentences for less
Recent Examples of Synonyms for less
Adjective
  • Even lesser-scale incidents like the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal and the Volkswagen emissions scandal erode trust in the institutions that help make our society possible and push it forward.
    Lindsey Witmer Collins, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • 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
Preposition
  • Alexander Skarsgård minus genitals = still hot somehow 5.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 1 June 2026
  • The Twins limped into what is a big series against a division rival at Target Field on Monday, losers of five straight and minus a pair of starting pitchers — Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson.
    John Shipley, Twin Cities, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Lower gas demand amid increasing supply has led to lower pump prices.
    Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 19 June 2023
Preposition
  • At Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, face masks are required in public areas, except when dining or swimming, capacity of public areas will be limited, and housekeeping and public area attendants will increase their cleaning procedures.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2020
  • The city advised all residents to stay inside except those going to and from work and anyone seeking or giving emergency care, according to Mayor Eric Garcetti's official Twitter account.
    NBC News, NBC News, 1 June 2020

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Cite this Entry

“Less.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/less. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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