Thesaurus

lessen

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of lessen

1 to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent

we lessened our efforts as it became clear they weren't having an effect

Synonyms for lessen

Words Related to lessen

minimize

Near Antonyms for lessen

redouble

Antonyms for lessen

2 to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually

the pain should begin to lessen within minutes of taking the medication

Synonyms for lessen

Words Related to lessen

Near Antonyms for lessen

Antonyms for lessen

3 to lower in character, dignity, or quality

blatant hypocrisy that lessened him in the eyes of the voters

Synonyms for lessen

Words Related to lessen

descend

Near Antonyms for lessen

respect

Antonyms for lessen

Frequently Asked Questions About lessen

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