LESSER Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

lesser

adjective

ˈle-sər

Definition of lesser

as in less

having not so great importance or rank as another it was the lesser evil of the two choices

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of lesser In that earlier trial, three other members of the Oath Keepers were found guilty of lesser charges. — Jan Wolfe and C. Ryan Barber, WSJ, 23 Jan. 2023 Minuta, Hackett and Moerschel were acquitted of lesser charges. — Michael Kunzelman and Alanna Durkin Richer, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Jan. 2023 Upon its debut, the reborn Defender appeared both as the mainstay four-door 110 and the two-door 90—which is lesser in length but greater in charm. — Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, 19 Jan. 2023 Prosecutors tend to settle for plea deals on related charges – pimping, pandering or money laundering – with lesser sentences. — USA Today, 19 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for lesser

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lesser

Adjective

After a less-than-stellar 27-7 loss in their preseason opener against the Broncos last week, the Falcons look to turn the tables against the Colts during their second exhibition game Saturday in Indianapolis.

— AJC Sports, AJC.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Since the coupon amounts cannot change, the instrument that does is the bill, a Treasury security that matures in a year or less.

— James Broughel, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of less

Adjective

Despite those lower court rulings, the practice has continued nationally, said Gregory Chen, the senior director of government relations for the Immigration Lawyers Association.

— Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2025
And ultimately, the Supreme Court overruled those lower court rulings and did declare the embryos as children qualifying under the wrongful death statute.

— Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2024

Definition of lower

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lessens

lesser

lesson

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“Lesser.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lesser. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of lesser

adjective

Example Sentences

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