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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb lessen differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lessen are abate, decrease, diminish, dwindle, and reduce. While all these words mean "to grow or make less," lessen suggests a decline in amount rather than in number.

has been unable to lessen her debt

When can abate be used instead of lessen?

The meanings of abate and lessen largely overlap; however, abate implies a reducing of something excessive or oppressive in force or amount.

the storm abated

When is decrease a more appropriate choice than lessen?

The words decrease and lessen are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decrease suggests a progressive decline in size, amount, numbers, or intensity.

slowly decreased the amount of pressure

In what contexts can diminish take the place of lessen?

Although the words diminish and lessen have much in common, diminish emphasizes a perceptible loss and implies its subtraction from a total.

his visual acuity has diminished

Where would dwindle be a reasonable alternative to lessen?

While the synonyms dwindle and lessen are close in meaning, dwindle implies progressive lessening and is applied to things growing visibly smaller.

their provisions dwindled slowly

When might reduce be a better fit than lessen?

The words reduce and lessen can be used in similar contexts, but reduce implies a bringing down or lowering.

you must reduce your caloric intake

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 lessen Taking care of your physical and mental well-being can help keep your body and joints functioning for longer, maintain bone health and muscle strength, reduce frailty, and even lessen the risk of certain health conditions, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 12 May 2025 The Panthers are not overly concerned about Tkachuk and that level of worry lessened as the first-round series progressed. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 May 2025 Under Amon, Qualcomm has been trying to lessen its reliance on the phone market with a push into new areas. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 1 May 2025 This would lessen the need of annual flu shots to boost the immune system before seasonal cases surge. Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lessen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessen
Verb
  • An estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the proposals would reduce the number of people with health care by at least 7.6 million from the Medicaid changes, and possibly more with other changes to the Affordable Care Act.
    Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • In Sacramento, California, the weather service warned its office would have reduced staffing overnight.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Load Or Run The Dishwasher Loading the dishwasher every night greatly helps decrease the visual clutter and mess that's in your kitchen.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 May 2025
  • Research has also shown that being outside in nature can help decrease anxiety, stress, and anger, according to a UC Davis Health blog post.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Placing the wrong items in the recycling bin can damage recycling equipment or degrade the recycling process.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025
  • Trump stated that the Houthis requested the ceasefire after his administration had successfully degraded the group's capabilities.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2025
  • Considering Sunderland have scored one goal in their last six matches, five of which have been lost, confidence on Wearside of a trip to Wembley has diminished.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Others may develop it after pregnancy, as the muscles and ligaments around the uterus can loosen or weaken.
    Brandi Jones, Health, 10 May 2025
  • This weakens their ability to tailor experiences and erodes marketing efficiency.
    Amit Jhawar, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • That fear subsided after the war became bogged down in Ukraine’s east.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
  • Lisa Wins, But Sincerity Takes the Crown When the eyeliner dries and the laughter subsides, Lisa Gilroy emerges as the episode’s victor.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • In March, Rose Shalom of Sunland lost her husband, Mannie Rezende, who had slowly deteriorated from Alzheimer’s over several years.
    Steve Lopez, Mercury News, 7 May 2025
  • Bloomberg | Getty Images Hugo Boss on Tuesday pointed to deteriorating U.S. consumer confidence, with uncertainty around tariffs, recession risks and immigration policy dampening both domestic and tourist spend in its largest single market.
    Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • This urine can simply be scattered around the ground, diluted into a fertilizer or disposed of in a toilet back home, depending on the situation.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 May 2025
  • Pureeing the fresh strawberries gives the lemonade body, but also ensures the strawberry flavor isn’t diluted.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessen. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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