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

The cartilage between bones often thins more rapidly after age 60, too, leaving the femur and tibia with less cushioning, so the separation between the bones lessens or disappears. — Aaron Steckelberg, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026

It's got other features such as Copilot integration to answer questions on the fly, as well as HP Eye Ease, which lessens blue light exposure to make your eyes more comfortable. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026

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