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.

Lawyers for TV station giant Nexstar, which owns KTLA, argued that last month’s mammoth merger with Tegna would not lessen competition.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

"There will probably be a moment where we see it return elsewhere and lessen the impact of the conflict if it continues," she added.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 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

"I think this project can help lessen that stress and stop the burden of paying £300 for a dress."

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

To some, the government’s crackdown did not seem imminent so they did not take the precautions necessary to lessen its effect.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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!