1
as in reducing
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2
as in depreciation
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Dissimilar Words
1
as in decreasing
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
we lessened our efforts as it became clear they weren't having an effect
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in diminishing
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the pain should begin to lessen within minutes of taking the medication
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3
as in weakening
to lower in character, dignity, or quality
blatant hypocrisy that lessened him in the eyes of the voters
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lessening
Barbara Kates-Garnick, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025
The good news is that GPT-5 will presumably be somewhat less than gushingly friendly, though the lessening might be variable and of a mixed result.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
Yes, the lip lift is a means of lessening the distance between the nose and the mouth—but to what end?
—Jolene Edgar, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026
Scrambles can be operated at particular times of day, lessening the impact during peak hours.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
That said, Unified Government officials, and the government’s own budget document said that diversifying its revenue streams, and lessening its dependence on property tax revenues could be one way to provide property tax relief for residents.
—Sofi Zeman
january 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2026
Besides lessening the risk of falls, this can help prevent snow from sticking which will make shoveling easier the following day.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026
Trump appears interested in shifting back to a Monroe Doctrine-era stance, as well as lessening global importance of countries like Russia, China and Iran, the analyst said.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026
But it was significantly stripped down at the last minute, lessening its likely impact.
—Adi Robertson, The Verge, 1 Jan. 2026
If someone is infected with the flu, prescription antiviral drugs can be effective at lessening the severity of symptoms.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
While appearing radical at the time, the revamping of scientific boards to include more industry representatives, the undoing of power plant rules and the lessening of enforcement hobbled but did not completely undo the agency.
—Barbara Kates-Garnick, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025
The good news is that GPT-5 will presumably be somewhat less than gushingly friendly, though the lessening might be variable and of a mixed result.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
Queta and Garza have held up well in their respective roles, lessening the Celtics’ need for center help.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
Yes, the lip lift is a means of lessening the distance between the nose and the mouth—but to what end?
—Jolene Edgar, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026
Scrambles can be operated at particular times of day, lessening the impact during peak hours.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
That said, Unified Government officials, and the government’s own budget document said that diversifying its revenue streams, and lessening its dependence on property tax revenues could be one way to provide property tax relief for residents.
—Sofi Zeman
january 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2026
Besides lessening the risk of falls, this can help prevent snow from sticking which will make shoveling easier the following day.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026
Trump appears interested in shifting back to a Monroe Doctrine-era stance, as well as lessening global importance of countries like Russia, China and Iran, the analyst said.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026
But it was significantly stripped down at the last minute, lessening its likely impact.
—Adi Robertson, The Verge, 1 Jan. 2026
If someone is infected with the flu, prescription antiviral drugs can be effective at lessening the severity of symptoms.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessening
Noun
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The long answer is that Estée Lauder’s Diamond Moisturizer is hydrating (as all moisturizers should be), firming, tightening, wrinkle-reducing, age spot-fading, and texture-smoothing.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Moisturizing, soothing, and redness reducing, Erborian’s CC Cream is the ultimate cult-favorite beauty product.—
Beatrice Zocchi,
Vogue,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The trade-off is a potentially larger depreciation and more difficulty finding parts and knowledgeable mechanics for those holding long-term.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
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Analysts pointed to the upside potential for free cash flow and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) margins in the company's electrification division.—
Natasha Abellard,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Supports Heart Health Magnesium and turmeric together may reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing inflammation, improving circulation, and supporting cardiovascular function.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Verywell Health,
29 Jan. 2026
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Back then, debasement was done by decreasing the amount of precious metals within gold and silver coins that were used as currency and increasing the amount of cheaper base metals, like copper.—
Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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From there, steamboats of diminishing sizes could make their way up the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri rivers and smaller ones like the Tennessee, Arkansas and even the Wabash.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
1 Feb. 2026
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Which wouldn’t be such a bad outcome for most documentary films — arguably moviedom’s most beleaguered genre due to diminishing audience appetite at the multiplex level.—
Chris Lee,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Ali Safavi, a senior official with the National Council of Resistance of Iran, said the images were aimed less at reassuring the public than at boosting morale among the regime’s weakening security forces.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Skies will be sunny, with winds weakening by the afternoon.—
Anthony Franze,
San Antonio Express-News,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Using a pastry blender, cut in the ⅓ cup butter and the shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.—
Jenavieve Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Jan. 2026
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With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture to shortening mixture, in 3 additions, alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture; beat until just combined after each addition.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
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If the decrease in air pressure is severe enough — 24 millibars in 24 hours — bombogenesis takes place and a bomb cyclone results.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
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While this reflected the decrease in broadband customers, it was partially offset by higher average rates, Comcast said.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Though snowy conditions are subsiding, the impacts of the storm will linger in the coming days—especially as many regions that saw snowfall are beginning the week with single-digit temperatures.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
26 Jan. 2026
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Sausalito crews set up a 4-inch pump near Gate 5 Road in the city’s northernmost neighborhood, where the grounds have been subsiding.—
Steven Rosenfeld,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lessening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessening. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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