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
Relevance
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
Specifically, retinol smooths fine lines, lessens wrinkle depth, and whittles the appearance of large pores.
—
Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 29 May 2026
That his general manager, Dana Brown, is working in the final year of his contract lessens the already slim likelihood of Houston dealing Alvarez.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 May 2026
The cold front begins to move east Tuesday as the storm risk lessens, but 57 million people will remain under a slight risk for severe storms capable of hail, wind and tornadoes from southwest Texas to northern New England.
—Kathryn Prociv, NBC news, 18 May 2026
Selecting one-off items for exterior spaces without thinking about existing furnishings or accessories lessens the effect of that new piece.
—Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 17 May 2026
This problem lessens as more roots grow and the leaves thicken up a little more.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2026
Enlisting kids in home tasks helps teach them valuable life skills and also lessens the load on parents.
—Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
Syndicating the bridge commitments to a larger group of banks lessens the exposure of the deal’s three primary lenders Citibank, Bank of America and Apollo.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
When hands move or are engaged, the tremor often lessens.
—Adam Cohen, Oklahoman, 24 Mar. 2026
Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 29 May 2026
That his general manager, Dana Brown, is working in the final year of his contract lessens the already slim likelihood of Houston dealing Alvarez.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 May 2026
The cold front begins to move east Tuesday as the storm risk lessens, but 57 million people will remain under a slight risk for severe storms capable of hail, wind and tornadoes from southwest Texas to northern New England.
—Kathryn Prociv, NBC news, 18 May 2026
Selecting one-off items for exterior spaces without thinking about existing furnishings or accessories lessens the effect of that new piece.
—Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 17 May 2026
This problem lessens as more roots grow and the leaves thicken up a little more.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2026
Enlisting kids in home tasks helps teach them valuable life skills and also lessens the load on parents.
—Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
Syndicating the bridge commitments to a larger group of banks lessens the exposure of the deal’s three primary lenders Citibank, Bank of America and Apollo.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
When hands move or are engaged, the tremor often lessens.
—Adam Cohen, Oklahoman, 24 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lessens
Verb
-
The future demands a neutral, interoperable and intelligent global trade infrastructure that reduces friction, expands inclusion and restores trust across borders.—
Meelan Gupta,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Unplugging protects against power surges and reduces fire hazards.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
This risk decreases as the storm moves away.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
9 June 2026
-
This risk decreases as the storm moves away.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Optical systems are blazing fast but require a direct line of sight and fail in murky water or when the buildup of microorganisms degrades the lenses.—
Omar Kardoudi
June 06,
New Atlas,
6 June 2026
-
The only caveat is that ceramic-coated cookware, like Teflon, isn’t designed for high-heat and degrades over time.—
Ryan Brennan
June 2,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2026
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Breakage occurs when damage to the hair shaft weakens it, causing strands to snap off.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
8 June 2026
-
Technology was partly to blame for creating an environment which magnifies prejudices and weakens critical thinking, Leo said.—
Joshua McElwee,
USA Today,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
Then the climax subsides for a lovely coda of strings, accompanied by a denouement in which the now casually clad, contemporary-looking singer smashes up her play set in the apartment where she’s presumably been brooding over all this stuff.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
22 May 2026
-
In fact, transparency mode eventually turns itself off until the wind subsides.—
Mark Knapp,
PC Magazine,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Meetings grow tense, and communication deteriorates.—
Niurys Robaina,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
-
There’s less maintenance and less investment in them, so the individual property deteriorates.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Friday’s selloff eases those worries a bit.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
7 June 2026
-
There is no explanation that eases the pain, no statement that can fully capture the grief so many in our community are experiencing.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lessens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lessens. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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