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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lessens
Yes, this may still involve hurt feelings, but the risk of being misunderstood lessens.
—
R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2025
This degree of control not only lessens supply chain dependencies but also accelerates deployment cycles.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Previous Supreme Court decisions established that the government's concern about corruption lessens if there isn't an opportunity for bribery.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Once the seeds have matured, however, that energy barrier lessens.
—New Atlas, 23 Aug. 2025
Perfusing donor organs with blood and other fluids while in transit lessens the possibility of tissue injury, inhibits damaging immune responses and maintains cellular homeostasis or equilibrium.
—David A. Brenner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Maybe rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams plays great and lessens the need at that position.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2025
This degree of control not only lessens supply chain dependencies but also accelerates deployment cycles.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Previous Supreme Court decisions established that the government's concern about corruption lessens if there isn't an opportunity for bribery.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Once the seeds have matured, however, that energy barrier lessens.
—New Atlas, 23 Aug. 2025
Perfusing donor organs with blood and other fluids while in transit lessens the possibility of tissue injury, inhibits damaging immune responses and maintains cellular homeostasis or equilibrium.
—David A. Brenner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Maybe rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams plays great and lessens the need at that position.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessens
Verb
-
This coating reduces absorbency, causes discoloration, and can trap bacteria and odors.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
-
This robot vacuum reduces daily chores, keeping floors clean of dirt, dust, and pet hair with minimal effort.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Magnesium absorption decreases with higher dosages.—
Trang Tran,
Verywell Health,
7 Oct. 2025
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
That performance degrades over time.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
These help slow down the wear and tear that degrades most traditional joysticks over time.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
But the sale also diminishes some hopes that Berkshire would buy Oxy in its entirety, potentially hurting the stock.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Yuhas said rubbing could trigger keratoconus, an eye condition that weakens the cornea.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
30 Sep. 2025
-
And the thymus gland, the producer of white blood cells, shrinks and weakens over time.—
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira,
Flow Space,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
For example, a few kids experience increased hyperactivity or irritability in the first couple of weeks, but that typically subsides within a month.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The big number arrives, characters emote, high notes ring and ring and ring again … and the aria subsides unmemorably, without leaving the ozone tang that signals a bolt of musical lightning.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Breaking them down to save for a later date isn’t enough, as bugs will still nestle their way in even as the cardboard deteriorates.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Advertisement Our hygiene deteriorates.—
Eli Sharabi,
Time,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
If Tylenol eases a pregnant woman’s severe headache, then preeclampsia is generally not the cause.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The two-minute clip eases audiences into the documentary's unique visual approach, which tells its story almost entirely through 911 calls and footage culled from body cameras worn by police officers.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lessens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessens. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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