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
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 His anxieties about other issues have lessened but this is as strong as ever. R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 18 May 2026 His workload lessened after that, especially with travel taking a toll. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessened
Adjective
  • Year over year, the basin has experienced reduced supply, often combined with a string of very dry years, and the river system has never been able to adequately rebuild its supply.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • And the reduced Republican numbers in the 53-47 Senate are sure to add confusion to what was already expected to be a chaotic and difficult few months before the November midterm elections.
    Mary Clare Jalonick, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Only two items tracked by the Farm Bureau decreased in price in 2026.
    Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • Procurement and Obsolescence Savings At one company, obsolescence in both raw materials and finished goods decreased by 30%.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The union said that unresolved complaints made against Hawk and existing climate issues have significantly diminished confidence among many educators.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2026
  • Mason, 22, is now hailed as a rising superstar, while Bell's championship aspirations may have diminished.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • All three, the panel noted, have weakened or dropped earlier pledges to halt development on their own if certain red lines came into view, and in recent years softened their resistance to military uses.
    Harry Booth, Time, 7 July 2026
  • It is weakened by surprises, side channels, performative challenge and unclear authority.
    David Ribott, Forbes.com, 7 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
  • But gradually, the headaches subsided, the collarbone healed, and doctors cleared him to resume normal activities — including getting back on the bike.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
  • The intifada subsided in 2005, and Eisenkot was moved to operational planning for the IDF.
    Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • When that piano deteriorated, a player piano was secured for the plaza in June 2025, along with 25 piano rolls to play during events.
    Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
  • Her husband Kennus Gowans has stood by her side as her health deteriorated over the last few years.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Those initiatives may improve efficiency, but efficiency alone cannot restore depleted cognitive capacity.
    Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • In a stark contrast to their usual way of operating, the Golden Knights sent out several players to add draft picks to their depleted stockpile of future assets.
    Jesse Granger, New York Times, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lessened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessened. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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