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.

There have been years of discussions of a federated European Union cloud and talks of what lessened dependence on the whims of American Big Tech companies might mean.

From Barron's

For “most people my age, the value of the college degree has lessened,” Erlichson said.

From MarketWatch

Stores now have more local control over their supplies, helping to lessen shortages, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, Chan believes the emphasis on chips will lessen in the future.

From MarketWatch

AkademikerPension’s allocation to Treasuries is too small to affect the market, and its move to other dollar-denominated assets further lessens the blow.

From Barron's

lessen

Example Sentences

Related Words