lessened 1 of 2

lessened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of lessen
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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 lessened
Adjective
Kuminga then saw a combination of injuries and uneven performances lead to lessened playing time before eventually falling out of the rotation altogether. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026 Mitigators work in the other direction, articulating a spectrum of factors that might support lessened punishment, such as the defendant having no prior criminal record, or acting under significant duress. Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026 After taking a lessened role in 2025, Texas Tech cornerback Maurion Horn will enter the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining, per multiple reports. Ty Kaplan, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026 An overloaded dryer leads to lessened airflow and, therefore, extended dry time. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2025
Verb
Rutherford shares that, until now, a voyage like his would not have been possible, but warmer climates globally have drastically lessened the ice in the Arctic. Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026 Likewise, the respite afforded by the twin hydration breaks has also reduced the need for improvised periods of gentlemanly repose, which in turn has lessened the demand for the chilly spray. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026 The decision doesn’t automatically remove him from the Cy Young conversation, but his workload, lessened by the six-man rotation, was already the biggest adjustment to his campaign. Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026 Visibility lessened as the Cardinals tacked on a third-inning insurance run and, by the sixth inning, clearly began to affect play. Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 As mentioned, Dube, who played last season with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds, could be an option as a depth center, but that need may have been lessened with McTavish and McMichael. Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Late 19th and Early 20th Century Most Western states capitalized on the barriers imposed on divorce and lessened their residency requirements to shorten the length of time one had to reside in the state to be able to file for divorce. Patricia Fersch, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Earlier models showed the potential for another tornado outbreak in the Chicago area less than a week after 13 tornado touchdowns were confirmed in the south and southwest suburbs and Northwest Indiana, but a cold front has lessened the threat and pushed it further south. Laura Bannon, CBS News, 17 June 2026 Late Monday, officials allowed 65% of evacuees to return home, saying the threat of a catastrophic blast from the overheated container at GKN Aerospace had lessened. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 26 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessened
Adjective
  • Snack manufacturers and alcohol producers are facing the prospect of reduced appetites.
    Elyse Moody, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026
  • While some project significant costs, others foresee billions in Medicare savings from reduced hospitalizations.
    Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • Despite the record, nuclear's share of the global energy supply slightly decreased as the overall energy market grew faster.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • But the uptick citywide this year contrasted sharply with Raman’s district, where homelessness actually decreased by 49%.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But even without that hurdle, the incentive to sue has diminished now that basketball players can earn millions of dollars years before going to the NBA.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 July 2026
  • Workers seek transparency regarding AI's impact on their roles, assurance against job losses, and confidence that their value isn't diminished.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • Researchers, educators, and policymakers questioned whether broadcasting encouraged juvenile delinquency, weakened family relationships, and gave governments and media organizations unprecedented influence over public opinion.
    Michael Edmondson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Hochul, who weakened the state’s climate goals and signed off on new gas pipelines, is again an example.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • In Stoddart’s estimation, the best way to freeze these semi-consumed cakes is in slices.
    Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Instantly after hearing that his uncertainty around the company subsided.
    Erianne Lewis, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026
  • After Covid subsided, Congress tried to fill this NSC gap by legislating a new White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response but provided no funding to staff it.
    David Blumenthal, STAT, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • The leggings were still wet, heavily soiled, and badly deteriorated, LaHendro testified, making the edge detail too unreliable for comparison.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
  • Oil prices have surged more than 30% in July with Brent crude breaking $100 per barrel on Thursday for the first time since May, as the security situation has rapidly deteriorated in the southern Red Sea and Hormuz.
    Spencer Kimball,Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • Ritchson started testosterone replacement therapy after filming season 1 of Reacher left him with depleted hormones, a shoulder injury and severe fatigue from rapid muscle gain.
    Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026
  • Those adaptations can coexist with chronic stress, depleted sleep and choices that were never freely available.
    Kristin Vance Richards, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lessened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessened. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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