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.

However, Bernanke warned, if future Fed communications put too many opt outs in the forward guidance, it could lessen the strength of the central bank’s commitment to a specific path.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

The research team has also gathered evidence from animal studies suggesting that the tomato-soy juice can lessen inflammation and reduce the severity of chronic pancreatitis.

From Science Daily • May 30, 2026

You cannot take the pain out of writing, but you can lessen some of the grunt work and redirect your energy, and despair, elsewhere.

From Slate • May 24, 2026

“Continued weakness in demand and the labor market is likely to lessen the strength of second-round effects from higher global energy prices,” the BOE said in its April monetary policy report.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

The school board checked into the allegations and found no merit in them, but the investigation did little to lessen the air of suspicion, and animosity, between the two schools.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

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