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Showing results for lessen. Search instead for elessen.
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.

“I think the government needs to interact with the oil and fuel world and talk about how they can take this pain away from us, or at least try to lessen this blow,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

And some opponents of the term “functional cure” say it may lessen the urgency for achieving the ultimate goal: a complete cure.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

This has enabled Pyongyang to lessen dependence on its main long-term backer, China.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

“But the people that were more worried about the labor market—this should probably increase their concern, not lessen it.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

“And they aint going to be no luck in saying that name, lessen you going to set up with him while he cries.”

From "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner