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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 For about two weeks following the new year, the crowds tend to lessen at hotels and resorts as holiday travelers head home. Meagan Drillinger, AFAR Media, 22 Jan. 2025 The default optimism in Alabama football has already lessened, although there’s still plenty of talent on Kalen DeBoer’s roster, including wide receiver Ryan Williams. Dan Santaromita, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 Whether through surfaces or fixtures, lessening bathroom cleaning and care helps prioritize health and wellness in the space. 7. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2025 Job market strength perhaps lessens any urgency for the FOMC to cut rates. Simon Moore, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for lessen 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessen
Verb
  • Here’s how to test for and reduce your exposure to these forever chemicals in your water.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Princess Anne has no plans to reduce her royal duties as her peers reach retirement age.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But between 2001 and 2024, the county’s population increased by about 560,000 people, while the daily booking average decreased by about 27%, even including the recent rise.
    Ryan Gillespie, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025
  • One 2024 study of 1,247 adults from 91 countries by the University of Southampton and Bath found that, after a month of practicing mindfulness for 10 minutes daily, participants reported reduced depression, improved wellbeing, and decreased anxiety.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This action further degrades ISIS's ability to plot and conduct terrorist attacks threatening U.S. citizens, our partners, and innocent civilians.
    Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Throbbing and thumping bass frequencies, which are harder to tame than higher frequencies like splashy cymbals and twangy guitars, will typically degrade the audio quality in smaller rooms.
    Parker Hall, WIRED, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • And so my part was always diminished in his presence.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 2 Feb. 2025
  • The production of melanocytes (skin cells that synthesize melanin) diminishes, leading to the appearance of gray hair.
    Marie Courtois, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • China's offshore yuan weakened to a record low of 7.3765, while the dollar touched a more than 20-year high against its Canadian counterpart.
    Suzanne McGee and Isla Binnie, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
  • As the company scales back on its ability to offer ultra-low prices, the appeal of its fast-fashion model may weaken, putting its market position at risk.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Even so, Reynolds felt a connection and interest in the role that wouldn’t subside over the long development period.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Although rains are expected to subside Sunday evening into Monday, flash-flood and mudslide risks for the wildfire burn scar areas will persist through Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Her famous voice deteriorated through the years due to cocaine use, The New York Times reported.
    Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025
  • The center and star teammate Elias Pettersson’s relationship had deteriorated, and Vancouver felt the need to move one of them, if not both.
    Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 1 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • There will always be the influencers and celebrities, dressed head-to-toe by brands, somewhat diluting the street-style impact, but this season the main takeaway was wearable, relatable clothes.
    Alex Badia, WWD, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Or, dilute the liquid with water at a 1:100 ratio (2½ tablespoons of bokashi tea per 1 gallon of water) to make a liquid organic plant fertilizer.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near lessen

Cite this Entry

“Lessen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessen. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

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