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
Surgery may be better at lowering blood glucose levels, inducing weight loss, reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and lessening the need for diabetes medications like insulin injections, a recent study concluded, but medication is winning the day.
—
Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026
After doing cardiac rehabilitation, he's become active and changed his diet by lessening his red meat intake, drinking less caffeine, and eating less sugar and carbohydrates.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
More grocers in underserved communities can increase competition and drive down prices, Stoller said, in turn helping lessen the inflation disparity.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2026
Among the initiatives are a new online reservation system, to lessen the oftentimes hourslong wait to get into the basilica, and simultaneous translations for Masses in up to 60 languages.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026
After doing cardiac rehabilitation, he's become active and changed his diet by lessening his red meat intake, drinking less caffeine, and eating less sugar and carbohydrates.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
More grocers in underserved communities can increase competition and drive down prices, Stoller said, in turn helping lessen the inflation disparity.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2026
Among the initiatives are a new online reservation system, to lessen the oftentimes hourslong wait to get into the basilica, and simultaneous translations for Masses in up to 60 languages.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lessen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessen
Verb
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But in the long run, that doesn’t do anything to dismantle networks of criminality or reduce the size of their operations.—
Angélica Durán-Martínez,
The Conversation,
24 Feb. 2026
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Others have sought to use cloud seeding to disperse fog at airports, tackle air pollution, reduce hail damage or even to manipulate the weather for major events, such as the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Some research has linked magnesium to decreased depression and anxiety, both of which can affect sleep.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
20 Feb. 2026
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The deliberate, repetitive action is found to help lower blood pressure, decrease symptoms of depression and even protect aging brains from cognitive decline.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In many cases submitted to Othram, the main challenge can be having to rely solely on significantly old remains, as in Ritchie’s case, or other pieces of evidence that have degraded over time, Othram’s CEO David Mittelman told the South Florida Sun Sentinel.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Feb. 2026
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Cement and steel degrade and corrode over time (especially when underground and in constant contact with saltwater).—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Work remained consistent even if the projects diminished in prestige and quality.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Feb. 2026
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Left unaddressed, a voter in Maryland who prefers a House majority willing to check the power of the White House will have their vote diminished by what Republicans are doing elsewhere in the country.—
Eric H. Holder Jr,
Baltimore Sun,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While speculation has focused on the possibility of two Republicans advancing, the more likely scenario is that only one GOP candidate reaches November — and does so weakened.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Feb. 2026
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The effect occurs because friction between grains drops sharply under fast loads, weakening the internal force networks that normally support the material.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Pielmeier expects the conditions to subside in much of Switzerland over the course of next week, once the new snow has stabilized, except in the south of the country where less snow has fallen.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
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While tensions over Greenland have subsided for now, the infighting has seriously undercut the ability of the world’s biggest security alliance to deter adversaries.—
Sam McNeil,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As her vision deteriorates, Penny turns to psychoanalysis not in hopes of reversing her condition, but to confront years of denial and silence.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
19 Feb. 2026
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Common findings from sewer scopes include root intrusion at joints (especially common in clay pipes), belly or sag in the line where water pools, cracked or offset joints, and deteriorated Orangeburg sections.—
Allison Palmer
Updated February 19,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The court’s ruling affirms that when communities are fractured or configured in ways that dilute their voting power, the state Constitution provides a solution.—
Chris Alexander,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2026
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For nails and hair On the hair, rosehip oil can be applied to the ends, preferably diluted with a carrier oil like argon oil, to add shine and help control frizz.—
Beatrice Zocchi,
Vogue,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessen. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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