Synonyms of lessens

lessens

verb

present tense third-person singular of lessen

1

as in reduces

to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reduces
• decreases
• diminishes
• lowers
• depletes
• minimizes
• eases
• dwindles
• abates
• downsizes
• compresses
• dents
• shortens
• drops
• slashes
• cuts
• constricts
• knocks down
• curtails
• downscales
• shrinks
• de-escalates
• condenses
• abridges
• pares
• whittles
• truncates
• crops
• abbreviates
• modifies
• modulates
• cuts down
• deflates
• trims
• retrenches
• contracts
• nicks
• clips
• cuts back
• prunes
• docks
• qualifies
• moderates

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• increases
• expands
• enlarges
• augments
• amplifies
• raises
• boosts
• extends
• escalates
• prolongs
• dilates
• inflates
• lengthens
• swells
• enhances
• elongates
• complements
• adds (to)
• heightens
• intensifies
• blows up
• aggrandizes
• distends
• supplements
• protracts
• redoubles

2

as in decreases

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decreases
• diminishes
• subsides
• eases
• falls
• declines
• shrinks
• vanishes
• lowers
• ebbs
• weakens
• wanes
• recedes
• dwindles
• tapers
• moderates
• relents
• dies (away or down or out)
• palls
• drops (off)
• abates
• tapers off
• falls away
• evaporates
• drains (away)
• remits
• lets up
• ratchets (down)
• constricts
• phases down
• alleviates
• compresses
• de-escalates
• rachets (down)
• condenses
• relaxes
• collapses
• slows (down)
• tails (off)
• slackens
• fades (away)
• gives out
• contracts
• melts (away)
• peters (out)
• deflates
• fritters (away)
• sinks
• flags
• caves (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• increases
• grows
• rises
• expands
• intensifies
• enlarges
• builds
• accumulates
• escalates
• swells
• appears
• soars
• emerges
• mounts
• mushrooms
• waxes
• picks up
• shows up
• lengthens
• burgeons
• snowballs
• elongates
• balloons
• blows up
• distends

3

as in degrades

to lower in character, dignity, or quality

blatant hypocrisy that lessened him in the eyes of the voters

Synonyms & Similar Words

• degrades
• weakens
• deteriorates
• dilutes
• subverts
• corrupts
• humiliates
• destroys
• demeans
• debases
• poisons
• vitiates
• cheapens
• damages
• debauches
• abases
• impairs
• pollutes
• perverts
• taints
• hurts
• thins
• prostitutes
• demoralizes
• depraves
• disgraces
• shames
• humbles
• ruins
• warps
• harms
• bastardizes
• mars
• contaminates
• profanes
• cankers
• dirties
• flaws
• tarnishes
• dishonors
• defiles
• wrecks
• spoils
• waters down
• descends
• depreciates
• befouls
• stains
• begrimes
• defaces
• downgrades
• takes down
• blemishes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• improves
• elevates
• enhances
• uplifts
• ennobles
• exalts
• dignifies
• enriches
• ameliorates
• honors
• restores
• perfects
• amends
• clarifies
• refines
• cleans
• betters
• purifies
• cleanses
• respects
• meliorates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of lessens

Enter Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), a minimally-invasive procedure that lessens blood flow to inflamed spots in the knee to reduce chronic pain and swelling. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 24 Sep. 2026

Most people assume that as technology improves, trust will follow and oversight gradually lessens. — Francesco Iorio, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

The warmer waters fuel tropical cyclone development in the eastern Pacific and a weaker wind shear lessens the chance of a storm being broken apart. — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Over time, this shift lessens the need for more adjunct faculty at additional expense. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 Sep. 2026

An elevated risk of rip currents can be expected through noon, before the threat of rip currents lessens this afternoon. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026

Coconut oil has approximately 65% MCTs, while MCT oil supplements have 100%, which lessens the health benefits of consuming only MCTs. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2026

Your shoulders, ears and hips should be aligned, which lessens the pressure on your lumbar vertebrae. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 31 July 2026

This lessens the chance of fungal diseases and betters airflow and light exposure to all parts of the plant. — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 18 July 2026