Definitions

lessen

[les-uhn] / ˈlɛs ən /

VERB

lower, reduce

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abate curtail decrease dilute diminish dwindle ease erode impair lighten minimize mitigate narrow shrink slacken taper off weaken

STRONG

abridge amputate attenuate clip close contract crop cut de-escalate decline degrade downsize drain minify moderate soft pedal taper thin truncate

WEAK

become smaller cut back die down grow less roll back slack up slow down take the bite out take the edge off take the sting out wind down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

develop enlarge expand extend grow increase intensify irritate lengthen prolong strengthen worsen

STRONG

go up rise stretch

WEAK

raise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lessen food waste by using frozen vegetables and proteins.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2023

“Whut you need two mules fuh? Lessen you aims to swap off dis one.”

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston

Lessen not my confidence in my only refuge.

From Imaginary Conversations and Poems A Selection by Landor, Walter Savage

Lessen the flow of the current in one of the streams, and the rush will bend a little less before that current and swing around to the side from which it receives less pressure.

From Steam, Steel and Electricity by Steele, James W.

Lessen the amount of water each time until no outside help is needed.

From Outwitting Our Nerves A Primer of Psychotherapy by Jackson, Josephine A.

Vocabulary lists containing lessen

Going Down: Synonyms for "Fall"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Chop Chop: Synonyms for "Cut"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Road Trip Magical Mystery List A

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!