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.

Knowing that money doesn’t equal value, and that families can be frustratingly immovable, doesn’t lessen the tension that might arise when the question “Who should pay for dinner?” is posed.

From MarketWatch

“I don’t think that us having dudes sit down lessens any chances that we have — any motivation or confidence — to win the game,” Gadsden said.

From Los Angeles Times

However, interest in stablecoins is expected to climb once the Genius Act takes effect in 2027, as the new guardrails lessen their volatility.

From The Wall Street Journal

While it lessens the amount the borrower has to pay today, it pushes potential problems down the road and delays the timing of the interest payments the BDC had expected.

From The Wall Street Journal

Although undocumented workers contribute to state and federal taxes, they don’t qualify for unemployment benefits that could lessen the blow of job loss after a family member gets detained.

From Los Angeles Times

lessen

Example Sentences

Related Words